Arsenal will have to be smart about future signings and they could capitalise on players whose contracts are running out in the near future
Mikel Arteta will hope to strengthen his Arsenal ranks in the January transfer window as he looks to topple Manchester City in the hunt for a Premier League title.
They currently sit at the top of the pile but the Gunners will still have sour memories of last season’s collapse in the back of their minds. With that in mind, football.london looks at three players the club could sign without spending an absolute fortune.
Zeno Debast
Debast is one of the Belgian Pro League’s most exciting defenders. At 20, he still has a lot of developing to do but he has already played for the senior Belgium national team twice and made 75 appearances for Anderlecht.
As well as centre-back, Debast has also featured in a defensive-midfield role and that versatility is something that Arteta expects of any central defender that he chooses to sign. With his contract running out in 2025, Arsenal could secure a relatively cheap deal for a player with a very high ceiling.
Khepheren Thuram
The Gunners have been linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz of late. As Luiz plays for a rival at the top end of the table, his fee is unlikely to be low.
However, Thuram offers a viable alternative as a player who thrives in a box-to-box role but can also sit deep. He is comfortable at driving with the ball, contributing to the attacks, and providing defensive cover when required.
His strength and pace would be invaluable in the Premier League. With his contract running out in 2025, Thuram could be available for a relatively modest fee when you consider what he can bring to the table.
Ivan Toney
If Arsenal perform the ‘David Raya trick’ then Ivan Toney could become a bargain. The North Londoners got Raya on loan and agreed to pay just under £30million to Brentford if they wanted him at the end of the season.
Raya wanted to leave the Bees and there was little option but to remove the dissatisfied player with just a year left on his contract. However, Raya signed a new deal that then sent him on loan to Arsenal with an immediate buy-out clause of just under £30million.
That means Brentford can get a decent return on the Spaniard if Arsenal choose to bring him in. If they opt to reject Raya, he will go back to Brentford and the club can demand a decent fee from other potential suitors.
With just a year left on his current deal at the Gtech Community Stadium, there is every chance that Toney may feel inclined to request a move at the end of the season. A Premier League proven striker would ordinarily cost a fortune but savvy negotiators could drive a bargain out of this situation.
Compare this situation to Victor Osimhen at Napoli and you have a far better chance of cost effectivity. The Italian club are stickly customers and, even with just a year on his current deal, it is hard to see him leaving Naples for less than £100million.
