Arsenal fans were beginning to grow anxious this time last week, with the club yet to complete any transfer business since the start of the month. However, within a matter of days, their stress was relieved after not one but two new signings were completed.
Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior both joined on long-term deals, strengthening Mikel Arteta's squad with quality and much-needed depth at a crucial stage of the season.
Trossard's arrival eases the absences of Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson going forward, while Kiwior provides support and competition for Gabriel Magalhaes on the left-hand side of central defence.
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As far as January window's are concerned, you could argue that it's been a pretty busy one for Arsenal, but their business isn't expected to finish there. With speculation mounting over more incomings and a departure on the cards, football.london has predicted what the final days of the window could look like for the Gunners based on current reports.
Incomings
Speaking in his press conference on Wednesday, Arteta refused to rule out further acquisitions in the coming days and confirmed that he would ideally like to add more midfield cover following reports that Mohamed Elneny could be out for some time. The Spaniard did add, however, that any potential deal may not be easy due to the challenges that come with negotiating in January. Nevertheless, it's a clear indication that the club is actively looking for midfield reinforcements before the window shuts.
Two potential targets could be Everton's Amadou Onana and Juventus' Weston McKennie. It has been widely reported that McKennie is available this month and has even agreed personal terms with Leeds United, though Arsenal are also said to be considering a move. The situation with Onana is a bit more complex due to him only joining the Toffees five months ago, but the current uncertainty at Goodison Park has put clubs on red alert. It's believed Arsenal were interested in the Belgian prior to his move to Merseyside.
Meanwhile, another position of interest is right-back. Ivan Fresneda continues to be heavily linked, with Borussia Dortmund also in the mix. It has been reported that the player is set to choose his next destination this week and that any transfer would likely see him stay at Real Valladolid for the remainder of the season.
Prediction: Arsenal will at least push for a new midfielder, be it one of the names mentioned above or someone else. The unsuccessful pursuit of Douglas Luiz proves there is no guarantee of getting a deal done, but the club's recent ability to swiftly move onto other targets does give some optimism.
Fresneda is 50/50. He could be excited by the prospect of playing in the Premier League and working under Arteta - especially as part of a potentially Premier League-winning side. But Dortmund could just edge it if more game time is guaranteed.
Outgoings
Cedric Soares will complete a loan move to Fulham by the end of this week, football.london understands. The deal will last six months and contains no obligation or option to buy, with Fulham covering his wages in full.
Another player that could head out on loan is Brazilian winger Marquinhos. The 19-year-old has only made 11 appearances since his switch from Sao Paulo in the summer, five of which have come with the Arsenal Under-21s. After scoring five goals and registering three assists, the club will be wary of holding back Marquinhos’ development, perhaps making a loan departure a preferable solution following Trossard's arrival.
Lastly, a loan deal for Karl Hein probably shouldn't be ruled out either. Having made a costly mistake during his senior debut in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton in November, Hein has responded well and received praise for his penalty shootout heroics against AC Milan and Lyon in the Dubai Super Cup. However, with the Gunners now out of the Carabao Cup, it's difficult to imagine Hein getting many minutes, with Matt Turner likely to be first-choice for FA Cup and Europa League matches.
Prediction: Cedric will leave on loan, as will Marquinhos if Nelson is close to a return. Hein will stay for the remainder of the season, considering there have been a couple of injury scares with Ramsdale and Turner.
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