Arsenal are likely to be busier than they are accustomed to in this January transfer window, for their squad does need some solid additions. The loopholes in their side have been exposed more often than not so far this season and there are quite a few areas which need to be addressed if they still intend to finish inside the top four.
Man City are pretty much running away with the league, and astonishingly, the Gunners are a whopping 23 points behind already; it’ only January! So, needless to say, if you’re not Man City, you’re best hope is a Champions League spot. Apart from the Gunners, the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also looking to clinch a Champions League spot which makes the equation very tough for the North London based outfit.
Recently, Arsenal were outclassed by Nottingham Forest in the third round of FA Cup as the Championship side chalked a 4-2 win over Arsene Wenger’s men, thus leading to their shock exit. The pressure to perform is certainly on Arsenal and Wenger who should beef up the quality of their side at any cost this month. As per one of the latest reports, they are targeting Barcelona’s midfielder, Ivan Rakitic.
Barcelona recently concluded the signing of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool for a stunning £142million. The Brazilian has been lured to Camp Nou in order to sharpen the attack of the La Liga giants and thus, it goes without saying that someone from their ranks is likely to be sacrificed to generate cash. Apart from Arsenal, Liverpool and Juventus are also very keen to sign Rakitic.
Rakitic can operate as a central defensive midfielder as well as a central midfielder and has volumes of experience under his belt as he has previously played Basel, Schalke, Sevilla and has been an instrumental figure at Camp Nou ever since his move from Sevilla in the summer of 2014. He has been a serial winner and has helped Barca in winning two league titles and a Champions League.
His potential transfer to the Emirates would be crucial because it would enable the injection of someone who can control the tempo of the game. The 29-year-old would be an astute signing for Arsenal given his calibre and despite the fact that he isn’t acclimatised with the animosity of English football, he certainly has the class and flair to thrive in England.
