Arsenal get first January transfer call confirmed as two possible Bukayo Saka replacements found
Arsenal could strike two deals in the January transfer window to cover the absence of Bukayo Saka because of an injury. The Gunners' talisman tore his hamstring in last weekend's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace and therefore looks set to miss a number of months.
Despite Saka's early withdrawal, Arsenal still won 5-1 at Selhurst Park with Gabriel Jesus scoring a brace while Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli were also on target Those names scoring consistently is not a guarantee though and thus no Saka will likely be felt over the coming weeks with Arteta eager to see how his team respond.
"It’s a huge blow [to lose Saka]," Arteta admitted in a recent press conference. "He’s obviously a big player for us you just have to see the impact that he has on the team. It’s going to be a really good exercise for us to think of ways to overcome another challenge because we’ve had a lot over the season."
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On signing a winger in January to replace Saka, he added: "My intention right now is to get the best of what we have in the time right now." Though Arteta has suggested there is no immediate plan to bring in another face, two unique opportunities look to have emerged.
Randal Kolo Muani appears destined to seal an exit from Paris Saint-Germain having been left out of the last two Ligue 1 squads. That arriving in the winter window is certainly plausible with reports suggesting a short-term loan is possible but it will likely include an obligation-to-buy condition in the deal.
Some clever negotiating could see that become just an option to make the move permanent or even a straight temporary switch if Arsenal do no want to commit to anything. While Kolo Muani is more of a striker, the versatility in the squad will be on full display as some of the load is taken off Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz and Jesus.
If the France international were to play up top, Havertz could be shifted in midfield while Jesus goes out wide and thus allows one of Martinelli or Trossard to be rested if that is required. Elsewhere, Barcelona's Dani Olmo may also shockingly be on the move over the coming weeks and interested parties could sign him as a free agent.
With the Catalan club again facing issues over registering him to play, it has been claimed that a clause in his contract would allow him to leave for free if he is ineligible for the remainder of the season.
The Gunners have been linked with the attacking midfielder for some time but they are likely to face competition from Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United if he does ultimately depart Camp Nou. Though making big acquisitions in January is often not a priority, two great opportunities are in front of Arsenal.
Not having Saka for multiple matches also makes it more of a necessity to get something done in order to not feel the full impact of his absence amid the Premier League title race. Kolo Muani and Olmo may not be perfect Arteta players but they are certainly two excellent footballers that could be available in January.