Arsenal: 4 Clubs to Target in Transfer Windows

Emi Buendia</a>, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/11/18/january-arsenal-last-chance-szoboszlai/">Dominik Szoboszlai</a>, and <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/09/28/mikel-arteta-houssem-aouar-arsenal/">Houssem Aouar</a> have abounded, and they would all help. But Arsenal have financial limits this January – as per protocol – and as links to a Christian Eriksen loan move gain more traction, Arsenal likely won’t pull the trigger on the move fans are screaming for.</p> <p>Investment must continue into the summer, and for the next few seasons, in order to give Mikel Arteta the chance to build a team he can actually work with. But what is it exactly that he’s missing? What do Arsenal need?</p> <div class="embed "> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">If Dominik Szoboszlai is to leave RBS in Jan via €25m clause he has to serve notice by next Tue. Bids must land by NYE, be paid within fortnight &amp; there’s a 20% sell-on applying to whole future fee (not just profit). No shortage of admirers <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://twitter.com/TheAthleticUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@TheAthleticUK <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://t.co/KHTRuA1afu">https://t.co/KHTRuA1afu

<p>— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1335981184921325570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>December 7, 2020</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div> <p>We need at least one creative No. 8, a creative No. 10, and a new center-forward, to eventually replace a failing Alex Lacazette. And those are just the shoo-ins. A new left-winger, a top-tier right-sided center-back, and a long-term improvement at right-back could all be useful tools to assist Arteta’s rebuild. That’s a grand total of seven players, which is a huge ask. And that’s <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/04/nicolas-pepe-arsenal-lifeline-rapid/">assuming Pepe finds a home at right-wing</a>.</p> <p>With that massive Christmas list in mind, here are four clubs who Arsenal can cherry-pick from in upcoming transfer windows, in order to solve their multitude of deficiencies. I won’t be focused on price, because in order to improve, KSE will have to invest. Hard stop. Onto number four.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> RB Salzburg </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_108822" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-108822" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1229833594.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1229833594.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1229833594-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">ST. POELTEN, AUSTRIA – NOVEMBER 28: Rejoicing of Karim Adeyemi, Mergim Berisha and Dominik Szoboszlai of Salzburg during the tipico Bundesliga match between Spusu SKN St. Poelten and FC Red Bull Salzburg at NV Arena on November 28, 2020 in St. Poelten, Austria. (Photo by Johannes Schedl/SEPA.Media /Getty Images)</p> </div> <h2>Red Bull Salzburg</h2> <p>Most well-known for everybody’s hero, Dominik Szoboszlai, Red Bull Salzburg have established themselves as one of the premier sources for European talent in the last half-decade. Locally lauded for regular destruction of the Österreich Bundesliga, most notably their 8-2 rout of St. Pölten recently, they’ve vaulted themselves onto the European stage through a series of talented waves of youth, and the latest of those shows no signs of slowing down.</p> <p>Szoboszlai is, of course, there, and he’s the obvious source for a creative No. 8/No. 10, but I want to cast a light on 22-year old Zambian Enoch Mwepu. While not an out-and-out creator, he specializes in his reading of the game, and powerful movement, and is adept at creating space in vertical areas, and especially through the center of the pitch, for his teammates.</p> <p>He operates best in higher half-spaces, and is an excellent dummy runner. Effectively, he plays a lot like Thomas Muller, with the physical profile of Yaya Toure, and he would provide something this Arsenal team lacks severely.</p> <p>Salzburg also have excellent options going forwards. Patson Daka has set the world alight with his instinctive finishing and lightning speed, and 18-year-old Karim Adeyemi is cut from the same cloth, but if you’re looking for a more well-rounded goalscoring threat, Mergim Berisha has taken the mantle of ‘Mr. Champions League’ for the Austrian club. 23-year old Rasmus Kristensen would also be an excellent option to put pressure on Hector Bellerin.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> RB Leipzig </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_108800" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-108800" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_949,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1229924309.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="949" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1229924309.jpeg 1600w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1229924309-768x456.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><p class="wp-caption-text">ISTANBUL, TURKEY – DECEMBER 02: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Alexander Soerloth of RB Leipzig celebrates during the UEFA Champions League Group H stage match between Istanbul Basaksehir and RB Leipzig at Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadyumu on December 2, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)</p> </div> <h2>RB Leipzig</h2> <p>Salzburg’s parent club are both a sweet spot and a troubling club to target in transfer windows. They have the personnel to fill nearly every issue Arsenal have on tap, but they’ll also demand top dollar for their talent. And given Arsenal’s war chest is filled with fluff and empty promises, it’s going to be a tough buy.</p> <p>Regardless, they have everything we need. Lukas Klosterman and Nordi Mukiele are both speedy and talented options, who can play right-back and center-back equally well. Tyler Adams and Konrad Laimer are both excellent options as a midfield pivot, but going further forward, Christopher Nkunku and <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/19/arsenal-3-reasons-marcel-sabitzer/">Marcel Sabitzer</a> are two of the best creative No. 8’s in the world at the moment. Even one of the latter two could change our fortunes.</p> <p>https://twitter.com/SquawkaNews/status/1334255059715170307?s=20</p> <p>Dani Olmo is also coming up through the ranks as a pure No. 10, and 29-year-old Emil Forsberg could make an effective creative stop-gap if we can’t muster funds. And if we’re looking to set the world alight, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/15/arsenal-dayot-upamecano-false-true/">Dayot Upamecano</a> might just be the man to do that, as his rough vein of form might make him a more accessible transfer.</p> <p>Leipzig don’t really play with wingers, so that’s out of the question, and Arsenal don’t need Yussuf Poulson or Alexander Sorloth – we need a striker skilled in buildup play, not another poacher – but in general, the first two thirds of Leipzig’s team could slot straight into our starting XI, without a doubt.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Olympique Lyonnais </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_108821" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-108821" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2254,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1229851111.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2254" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1229851111.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1229851111-768x541.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Lyon’s Ivorian forward Maxwell Cornet (C) celebrates with Lyon’s Cameroonian forward Karl Toko Ekambi (R) and Lyon’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta (L) during the French L1 football match between Lyon (OL) and Reims (SR) on November 29, 2020 at the Groupama stadium in Décine-Charpieu near Lyon. (Photo by JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK / AFP) (Photo by JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK/AFP via Getty Images)</p> </div> <h2>Olympique Lyonnais</h2> <p>Lyon have talent flowing out of their every pore. Again, there is an obvious solution to whatever problems Arsenal might face creatively, and that’s Houssem Aouar. But they also have a serious glut of youth talent, with Maxence Caqueret making a name for himself as a midfield pivot – Lyon would reportedly rather sell Aouar, which is telling – but <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/17/arsenal-bruno-guimaraes-unknown/">former Arsenal target Bruno Guimarães</a> also fills that role.</p> <p>They have two true No. 10’s among those stars, in AC Milan loanee Lucas Paquetá and the excellent 17-year-old Rayan Cherki, who is their youngest ever goalscorer. If they do sign Paquetá on a permanent deal, that’s one more opportunity for Arsenal to cherry-pick one of their many midfielders.</p> <p>Their defenders are solid as well. Center-backs Joachim Anderson and Jason Denayer are both excellent options, and at 24 and 25 respectively, they’re just starting to grow into their own. With  Anderson on loan at Fulham, along with Lyon right-back Kenny Tete, we’ll get a look at how they could perform in the Premier League throughout the season.</p> <p>But the big draw to the French giants are the crown jewels of their attack. Memphis Depay and Moussa Dembele are two of the most well-rounded forwards in the game, with Memphis a perfect hybrid left winger-cum-second striker, and journeyman Dembele an all-action striker.</p> <p>I’ve written about both in the past, as I think they would be perfect additions to the team. Both are skilled on the ball, incisive and intelligent off it, and as adept at finding each other as they are at winning one-on-one duels.</p> <p>And as if that weren’t enough, 25-year-old winger Bertrand Traore is on loan at Aston Villa, and 24-year-old Ivorian Maxwel Cornet has been given the starting berth, in order to come into his own. Watch both closely, as big clubs might soon come calling.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Borussia Mönchengladbach </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_108879" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-108879" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1229896179.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1229896179.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1229896179-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Moenchengladbach’s Swiss forward Breel Embolo (top) and his teammates celebrate a goal which was then called offside during the UEFA Champions League football match Borussia Moenchengladbach v Inter Milan in Moenchengladbach, western Germany, on December 1, 2020. (Photo by Ina Fassbender / AFP) (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)</p> </div> <h2>Borussia Mönchengladbach</h2> <p>I don’t think I’ll ever get through a transfer piece without talking about Gladbach, unless of course they were to stop impressing me. Spoiler alert, they won’t. The fact that they currently top Champions League Group B, ahead of Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Shakhtar Donetsk – Champions League stalwarts all – is a testament to their abilities.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia"> <div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_108792" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet") .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>But you’re not here for me to fanboy over my football-crush Friday team. You’re here for me to fanboy over their players. Well, asked and answered.</p> <p>Starting from the back, Matthias Ginter and Nico Elvedi are rock-solid on a weekly basis. They’re both better on the right side, and Elvedi is a solid right-back as well, but the Swiss takes the left when they play together. They’re both Premier League-quality players, and at 26 and 24, still have room to grow.</p> <div class="recent-posts "> <h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4> <ul> <li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/"> Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/"> When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury? </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/"> 2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/"> Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023 </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/"> Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start? </a> </li></ul> </div> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/05/23/arsenal-5-bundesliga-players/">Stefan Lainer</a> is my sort of right-back. He’s a balls-to-the-wall, aggressive player, who is as adept at whipping in crosses as he is at sweeping the ball away with a well-timed slide tackle. He’s also rapid, both over short and long stretches. He won’t be a long-term option at 27, but he’s a fantastic talent. If Arsenal do want somebody more offense-minded, 24-year-old Valentino Lazaro is a wing-back by trade, but often features at right midfield or right wing for them, especially against bigger opponents.</p> <p>Their midfield is equally stacked. <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/09/17/3-arsenal-alternatives-thomas-partey/4/">Denis Zakaria</a> is one of the best defensive No. 8’s I’ve ever seen – no exaggeration – and is the only player in the world who could possibly replace what Thomas Partey brings to Arsenal. Imagine a midfield pivot of both of them.</p> <p>Further forward, Florian Neuhaus is a near-ideal solution to our creative issues at No. 8. Tall, composed, and slick on the ball, his passing range is nearly limitless, as is the number of different passes he has in his arsenal. His vision is arguably his best asset, and he’s ludicrously good at finding the goal from outside the box, though his finishing is solid too. He’s a confident player in every phase of play, and isn’t afraid to delve into the grittier side of the game throughout the match.</p> <p>And while 32-year-old Lars Stindl is their go-to option at attacking midfield, youngster Hannes Wolf, formerly of RB Leipzig, has made a name for himself as a super sub this season. A graduate of the Red Bull system, he was poached by Die Fohlen this summer, and has proven he can hold his own at the highest levels. 23-year old Lázsló Bénes is also a serious playmaker, and although he’s struggled for minutes this season, he’s a serious threat in the No. 10 role.</p> <p>And who can talk about Gladbach without mentioning their front line. Strong, quick, and lethal anywhere in the final third, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/22/arsenal-solution-striker-situation/3/">Marcus Thuram</a> is everything we need and more. He’s everything I wish Arsenal had in a center-forward, to be quite honest.</p> <p>He’s an aggressive dribbler, is strong as an ox, and is deceptively sneaky for a player of his size. He’s also an excellent header of the ball, something we’ll need if we continue with our current tactical setup. And his finishing is nothing short of magical. Oh, and did I mention he’s only 23?</p> <p>Thuram plays most of his football off the left-wing, but is their first-choice striker when fellow Frenchman Alassane Plea is out of commission. 27-year-old Plea has been nothing short of lights-out this season. His five goals and two assists in European football alone this season are a testament to his ability on the big stage, and somewhat cover for his one goal, one assist record in league play.</p> <div class="embed embed-video"><iframe loading="lazy" width="500" height="281" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Km_ggBnsyk?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>Similar to Thuram, he’s an electric finisher and excellent header, but he also specializes in close-quarters link-up play, a major asset to any side who play with a focal-point No. 9, as we do. And as if that weren’t enough, 23-year-old Swiss international Breel Embolo is a regular feature all across the front line, sharing his minutes between No. 10, right-wing, and center-forward.</p> <p>Lightning-quick at an imposing 6’1″, Embolo combines his stocky frame with impressive technical dribbling skill and astute finishing to create a monster of a player. He’s slightly rough around the edges, and lacks finesse often, but finesse can be taught. He’s aggressive, powerful, and has all of the mental characteristics necessary for a top player, namely his positional awareness.</p> <p>Gladbach pretty much have a solution to every problem Arsenal are struggling with, and although our previous signings from the German side have had mixed results – <em>cough </em>Granit Xhaka <em>cough – </em>this new generation of talent is nothing short of spectacular.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Nicolas Pepe Just Handed Himself Another Lifeline" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/04/nicolas-pepe-arsenal-lifeline-rapid/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/08/4-clubs-arsenal-target-transfer-window/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/04/nicolas-pepe-arsenal-lifeline-rapid/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Nicolas Pepe Just Handed Himself Another Lifeline </a> </div> </div> <p>But even if Gladbach aren’t the subject of our advances, any of these clubs would be a fantastic place to cherry-pick. They’re all rife with talent, just waiting for the right offer. Let’s see if Arsenal can reverse history for once, and be the club to make that offer.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">