As Arsenal wraps up its UEFA Champions League group phase tonight in Girona, Mikel Arteta is expected to make changes to his lineup, with the Gunners nearly securing a top-eight finish. The team’s successful campaign may also see them head to a warm-weather training camp next month if they manage to avoid the two-legged play-off after the FA Cup fourth round.
On the transfer front, Arsenal is pushing ahead with plans to strengthen their attacking options before the January transfer window deadline. A key focus is on bringing in a new striker to provide more depth after injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove Albion has emerged as a potential target, with reports suggesting that Brighton is open to letting him leave permanently.
Ferguson Transfer Boost
Arsenal’s pursuit of Ferguson has received a significant boost, as Brighton is reportedly prepared to let the 19-year-old forward leave in January. Ferguson, a promising talent, would offer Arteta a reliable attacking option and add depth to the No. 9 position. With Kai Havertz currently shouldering much of the goalscoring responsibility, Ferguson’s arrival could provide much-needed support.
A permanent move for Ferguson would also solve a potential squad issue for Arteta, as Arsenal already has two loanees—Raheem Sterling and goalkeeper Neto—which limits their capacity to bring in more domestic loan players.
Tierney’s Pre-Contract Agreement with Celtic
On the outgoings front, Kieran Tierney has officially confirmed his exit from Arsenal, with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers revealing that the left-back has signed a pre-contract agreement to return to Celtic.
Tierney, who joined Arsenal from Celtic for £25 million in 2019, has fallen down the pecking order under Arteta. His contract is set to expire this summer, and Rodgers has stated that the transfer is expected to take place in the summer, though there is a possibility it could occur sooner.
Rodgers remarked, “Ideally, it would happen in January, but he’s still an Arsenal player at the moment. Everyone agrees that it will definitely happen in the summer, but if we can do it sooner, then great.”
Deadline Day Looms for Premier League Clubs
With deadline day fast approaching, Arsenal’s Premier League rivals are also actively working to finalize transfers. While Manchester City has been the biggest spender so far this month, other clubs, including Manchester United, are expected to make moves. Notably, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are among the high-profile players who could potentially be on the move by the January 31 deadline.
As the window nears its close, clubs across the league are scrambling to reinforce their squads for the remainder of the season.
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