Viktor Gyokeres signs, surprise Marcus Rashford move - Arsenal's dream January transfer window
The January transfer window is here and clubs across the league will be scrambling to improve their squads ahead of the second half of the season.
Arsenal are in a strong position as they have an opportunity to move into second place in the Premier League standings with a win away at Brentford on New Year's Day. They are in contention to qualify for the knockout rounds of the Champions League, while they are in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
However, the recent injury to Bukayo Saka has put a dent in the Gunner's title hopes. The winger limped off during the Premier League win over Crystal Palace earlier this month and has since undergone surgery on the hamstring injury.
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That means the January transfer window could prove to be pivotal for Mikel Arteta as he looks to ensure his squad can continue to compete on all four fronts this term. While the market mid-season tends to be a lot quieter than in the summer, clubs are always prepared to act when the right player is available at the right price.
So, football.london have taken a quick look at what Arsenal's dream January transfer window could look like if they do in fact look to the market to solve some key issues...
Viktor Gyokeres signs
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is the name everybody is talking about this season. The 26-year-old has scored 27 goals and registered six assists for his club across all competitions and only half of the campaign has been played.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been linked with the striker and it remains to be seen whether he will move on in January or the summer. Some rumours suggest he has a release clause of around €100m, which would be a significant figure for any club vying for his signature.
The Emirates Stadium would no doubt he an attractive prospect for the striker given the fact Arsenal are still competitive in all competitions, and there is also a glaring hole in the squad he would fill. Saka's injury aside, Arsenal lack a clinical striker and it's a problem Arteta will need to address either in January or the summer.
Surprise Marcus Rashford move
This will certainly be one that divides opinion, but given Saka's anticipated long injury lay-off, Arsenal could repeat the transfer trick that saw them bring Raheem Sterling in on loan from Chelsea back in the summer. While the 30-year-old has struggled for fitness at times this term, his experience could be pivotal in the latter stages of the campaign.
The chances of Arsenal actually landing their perfect striker target in January is slim, so shifting their attention out wide could be the perfect solution in the short to medium term. Marcus Rashford wants to leave Manchester United, that much is true.
If the 27-year-old is available on loan, Arsenal could do a lot worse than a player of Rashford's quality. He is versatile and can play through the middle or out wide, and despite his minimal game time this season, he has still scored seven goals across all competitions.
It is clear Rashford is in desperate need of a fresh start. His wages and a possible transfer fee, should United demand a permanent move at this stage, could be a stumbling block. But, if the conditions are right, Arteta could help the England international rediscover his best form.