Arsenal ended a horrid run of seven league games without a win with a 3-1 victory over London rivals Chelsea on Boxing Day. Gunners fans will hope this result will help build confidence and enable them to kick on after a dreadful start to the season which has left them hovering above the relegation zone.
Arsenal Eyeing a Move for Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt
The Gunners Are in Need of Creative Reinforcements to Tackle Goal Scoring Problems
This difficult start to the season has been due to their inability to create chances and score goals. Only five teams have scored fewer goals than Arsenal this season. With this in mind, Arteta will be keen to add to their midfield options in the January window. Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt is a new name linked with the club.
The profile appears to be a creative and progressive attack-minded midfielder. In recent years, Arsenal have let go of Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, and have appeared to dismiss Mesut Ozil – all without bringing in adequate replacements. Just some of the recruitment failings the club has made in recent times.
Transfer Plans
In the summer, Arsenal emerged to be closing in on a deal to acquire Lyon’s Houssem Aouar. However, another move for the Frenchmen in the coming window appears unlikely according to recent reports from The Athletic. These reports suggest the £55 million-rated Lyon midfielder has fallen down the pecking order in terms of Arsenal’s transfer targets as a result of ‘reservations’ from the clubs’ hierarchy about him.
Arsenal are said to have ruled out a move for former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen, someone the club have recently been heavily linked with.
However, the report states Arsenal have shifted their focus on a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt. The German international has only started six league games in a competitive midfield, however, he did return seven assists last season after arriving from Bayer Leverkusen.
At only 24 years of age, he has Champions League experience and could be someone to help Arsenal with their creativity issues. The north London side are desperate for reinforcements in this area.
Desperate for Reinforcements
A solid performance from Hale End graduate Emile Smith-Rowe was the first sight this season for the Gunners of someone who could pick the ball up behind the opposition’s midfield and progress the ball with neat and progressive passes. Despite that, the youngster isn’t yet good enough for a side with European ambitions and competing in several competitions as a result of their Europa League commitments.
With Arsenal’s league position, there is massive pressure to enter the market next month. It appears Edu and the clubs’ hierarchy will try to provide Arteta with reinforcements. However, the January window is always a difficult one, made even harder by the consequences of the pandemic. It is unclear how much money the Gunners have available.
However, with no inclination that Ozil will be re-registered, Arsenal have to get things done. The midfield needs strengthening in this particular area, and the side will continue to struggle to create chances and win games.
Arsenal’s Creative Problems
The Boxing Day win breathed a bit of confidence and relief back into the side. However, there is still a lot of work to be done to change Arsenal’s fortunes this season.
The forward line of Arsenal is being starved of opportunities. Arsenal are ranked 15th in the League in terms of shots per game. Captain and talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also found himself way off his best.
A creative midfielder in January could help shift this curve and help the Gunners slowly climb up the table. The club have been public with their support and backing of Mikel Arteta. However, Arsenal fans will know actions speak much louder than words. This window will allow them to display their support of a struggling manager. Only time will tell for the Gunners.
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