Edu welcomed five new faces to the Emirates Stadium this summer and the Arsenal technical director has shown no sign of slowing down in January. The Gunners have spent in the region of £120million on the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Matt Turner and Marquinhos.
Mikel Arteta's side were one of the Premier League's biggest spending sides - even if they did miss out on a few deadline day deals. Cody Gakpo and Douglas Luiz were both heavily linked with late moves to Arsenal, but neither materialised, thereby teeing the club up for an exciting January window.
However, the Gunners might have shot themselves in the foot with the World Cup just around the corner; players' values and asking prices could fluctuate. So, with that being said, football.london have taken a look at four players who Arsenal will likely target in January.
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Cody Gakpo
Arsenal reportedly reignited their interest in Gakpo in the final hours of the summer transfer window. The Gunners' renewed interest followed Arteta's mission to further strengthen his frontline.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for some time now and Edu was said to be preparing a last push for the winger. Last month, football.london understood that the north Londoners were one of several clubs in England who are interested in the PSV winger.
The Athletic have since named Everton, Leeds United and Southampton as the other candidates in the race for Gakpo. It's believed that the Saints were the only club who made a concrete approach for the Netherlands international, but PSV turned down their offer.
Gakpo would be an excellent addition in January. However, with the World Cup around the corner, the Dutchman's asking price could rocket accordingly.
Douglas Luiz
Once Arsenal became aware that Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey would be missing for a considerable amount of time due to injury, Edu decided to move in for Luiz. The Aston Villa midfielder has been someone, football.london understands, the club have followed for some time and would not have been a panic buy.
However, Steven Gerrard's side decided against selling the Brazilian, who has just one year left on his deal at Villa Park. So, Arsenal could either attempt to sign the £25million-rated man for a cut-price fee in January or wait to sign him on a free in 12 months.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent years, with Manchester United often said to be monitoring his situation. According to Italian publication Il Mattino in July, Lazio were hoping to sell the Serbia international to either Arsenal or United for a fee between €55million (£46m) and €60million (£50m).
Tutto Juve, via Sport Witness, previously reported that the Gunners were ready to accelerate their efforts for Milinkovic-Savic and offer £42million for his signature. However, regardless of whether the reports are to be believed, the Lazio midfielder's agent, Mateja Kezman, gave an update on his client's future.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Kezman ruled out an exit from Maurizio Sarri's side unless a 'miracle happens'. He said: "The decision has been made. Sergej will stay at Lazio unless a miracle happens in the final few days of the window."
With Elneny and Partey out injured as it stands, another wave of injuries close to January could reignite Arsenal's interest. And, the Serbian would be a superb addition - though he could cost a LOT.
Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto was also heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer but, in fairness, an exit from Molineux always looked unlikely. So, if a deal can be reached in January, it'd be a huge signing.
According to a report from Portuguese outlet O'Jogo, the Gunners had 'no chance' of prising the 22-year-old away from Wolves, with Bruno Lage's side extremely keen to keep the forward at the club for at least one more season. The West Midlands club have set an asking price of £50million for the Portuguese star, according to Sun journalist Daniel Cutts. However, he's valued closer to €30million (£25million) by CIES football observatory.
Danilo
Arsenal were looking for midfield options late in the window, including Danilo. The Brazilian midfielder, however, proved to be too difficult a profile to pull off in the final hours.
However, football.london understands that Arsenal could re-emerge as suitors for the player this coming January. Palmeiras’ resistance to a sale this summer is expected to soften having finished their commitments in the Copa Libertadores and when they will be able to find a replacement.
The 21-year-old suits the profile of player that Mikel Arteta is looking for and with 7 goals so far in 2022, he provides an additional asset that was lacking, particularly last season, for the Gunners. Progressive and great with the ball at his feet, his characteristics have Arsenal stamped all over them.
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