Although much of the focus will be on a certain Moises Caicedo today, a number of Arsenal players could be set for the exit door as sporting director Edu looks to balance the books.
The arrivals of Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior have added much-needed depth to Mikel Arteta's squad this month, although a potential long-term injury to Mohamed Elneny means a midfielder is being eyed at the 11th hour. Two bids have been made for Brighton's Caicedo, the latest being £70million, and although they were immediately rejected, football.london understands the Gunners remain hopeful a deal can be struck if Roberto Di Zerbi's side manage to bring in a replacement before the 11pm deadline.
It will no doubt be a nail-biting day for Arsenal fans, who will be hoping a compromise can be reached for the Ecuadorian international. Regardless of whether the Gunners get their man or not, Edu is set to be a busy man as he looks to complete deals for those surplus to requirements. Up to four players could have new clubs come tomorrow and here we take a look at who is most likely to move.
READ MORE: Arsenal's Moises Caicedo alternatives in focus as Edu fails with £70m bid ahead of deadline day
Marquinhos
Following Trossard's arrival, Arsenal have been open to the idea of allowing Marquinhos to leave on loan. football.london understands that is now close to happening, with the Brazilian winger expected to complete a move to Championship side Norwich City in the coming hours.
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. However, after scoring five goals and registering three assists, the club will be wary of holding back Marquinhos’ development, knowing he has plenty of potential to fulfil moving forwards.
Cedric Soares
A deal which will see Cedric join Fulham on loan for the remainder of the season remains in the works. As reported by football.london, progress over the transfer was made last week, however, Premier League rules state that clubs are unable to register more than two players on loan at any one time.
Fulham already have two players on loan from two different Premier League clubs in Daniel James and Shane Duffy, meaning they've used up their allocated quota.
Despite the stumbling block, football.london understands Fulham hope to turn Duffy's loan deal into a permanent one which would pave the way for Cedric to officially complete his move to Craven Cottage. Fulham will cover the defender's wages - which are estimated to be in the region of £100,000-per-week - in full.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
It's fair to say Sambi Lokonga has endured a tough time in an Arsenal shirt since his arrival from Anderlecht back in 2021. Despite showing initial signs of talent and promise, the Belgian has struggled for consistency, failing to live up to the expectations when called upon.
Granted, the lack of game time doesn't help, but with Arteta's side fighting for a league title, there is a genuine need for every single player to rise to the occasion no matter what their role is. For many Arsenal fans, Lokonga's second half display against Manchester City last week was the final straw and now believe a loan is needed for him to regain some confidence.
Considering Elneny could be out for some time, it's hard to imagine that the club will sanction a departure for the 23-year-old, though that could change should Caicedo or someone else come in. Nothing appears imminent, but it may be one to watch.
Karl Hein
Last but not least is third-choice goalkeeper Karl Hein. 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 and FA Cup, it's difficult to imagine Hein getting many minutes, with Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner likely to battle it out for Europa League matches.
Although it would be good to see Hein receive regular first team minutes elsewhere between now and the end of the season, the club may factor in previous injury scares with Ramsdale and Turner, deeming it too much of a risk to continue with just two goalkeepers.
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