Jamie Carragher believes that Arsenal can push on to win the Premier League title if they avoid making the same mistakes Tottenham did by not recruiting more new players in the January transfer window. The former Liverpool man listed 2012 and 2016 as missed opportunities for Spurs and has urged Mikel Arteta to not make the same mistakes in their title battle with Manchester City.
Arsenal currently sit five points clear of their title rivals having won 12 of their 14 games this season, which has included wins against Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool. The Premier League is set to return on Boxing Day with the Gunners taking on West Ham at Emirates Stadium, with City travelling to Leeds two days later.
January will prove to be a critical month for Arsenal as Edu likely plots significant transfer moves that will help the Gunners potentially achieve Premier League glory in May
READ MORE: Edu handed Cody Gakpo warning as £50m transfer 'risks upsetting Arsenal dressing room'
Shakhtar's Mykhaylo Mudryk has been heavily linked with a north London switch and his services could be acquired for €65million (£57million). Leicester's Youri Tielemans, who will see his contract expire in 2023, could arrive earlier than expected at Arsenal after football.london reported in the summer, before the transfer window close, that Arsenal were prepared to wait until Tielemans’ current contract expires to secure the Belgian on a free transfer.
Edu may look to secure a winter deal though in order to improve the midfield depth available to Arteta and thus improve their chances of winning the title. The Mirror report that a bid around the £20million mark could be enough to tempt the Foxes into selling.
Elsewhere Cody Gakpo is also if interest to Arsenal with a January departure from PSV looking likely after Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted to Voetball: "There comes a time when you can't say no anymore." Gakpo could be bought for around £50million, although Arsenal face competition from Manchester United.
After speaking with Arteta on a number of topics including his five-phase plan, Carragher wrote in his Telegraph column that Arsenal cannot make the same mistakes their north London rivals have made in previous seasons.
"Deep down, Arteta and everyone connected to Arsenal knows the club has its best chance of winning the title since Arsene Wenger’s reign.
"They have a young squad and a gifted coach who is reaping the benefits of a patient rebuild, so there is an expectation that they will be pushing for the biggest honours for the next few years. But it is equally true that when a golden chance beckons to win the title, you must grasp the nettle.
"Arsenal should learn from the mistakes their north London rivals made when they were in a similar position under Mauricio Pochettino and Harry Redknapp. Both their Tottenham sides had great chances to win the league at this point of the season.
"In January 2012 and 2016, Spurs were genuine contenders, one quality signing away from continuing their momentum. Although their long-term planning has taken them this far, Arsenal will not want to look back with similar feelings of ‘if only’ in six months’ time."
READ NEXT:
Kylian Mbappe's 63-hour message to William Saliba hands Arsenal boost ahead of West Ham
Gabriel Martinelli 'close' to signing new Arsenal contract triggers stunning Bukayo Saka theory
The three things that must happen when Arsenal face West Ham in Premier League return
Arsenal to avoid naming Mykhaylo Mudryk in Premier League squad if £40m transfer is completed
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
