According to The Athletic, Arsenal are keen and very likely to add to their creative midfield options in January, and one of those options appears to be Barcelona’s Riqui Puig.
Mikel Arteta’s side has struggled to create chances and score goals this season. The Gunners are ranked 15th in the league in terms of shots per game and their forward men have been starved of opportunities. As a result, Arteta’s side are hovering above the relegation zone and feel they need to sign in January to change their fortunes after a horrid start to the league campaign.
Arsenal Are Interested in Signing Barcelona Midfielder Riqui Puig in January
Arteta is Desperate to Add to His Midfield Options in January
The Gunners have previously been linked with Lyon’s Houssem Aouar – a deal appeared close in the summer before talks eventually died down. They also appear to be interested in Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt, another creative midfielder. This is a profile of player Arsenal are missing. After outcasting Mesut Ozil, this squad appears starved of any creativity. Hale End graduate Emile Smith-Rowe had a successful cameo in the sides 3-1 victory over Chelsea this weekend, but this alone is not enough for a side competing in Europe and with European expectations.
Attention Turned to Barcelona’s Riqui Pig
Puig is said to have been on Arsenal’s radar for a while. The Gunners have sent scouts to follow him in the past.
The 21-year-old is highly rated in Spain but has fallen out with new boss Ronald Koeman. Since then, he has not started a single league game for the Dutchman this season. This alleged fallout is due to Koeman accusing him of leaking information from the dressing room.
He made 11 appearances for the La Liga giants last season, bagging two assists in their final game of the season away to Alaves. In September Puig also made his Spanish U21 debut. He is someone with a bright future and has the creative attributes and technical ability to make a difference in this Arsenal side.
Despite there being several targets for Arsenal next month, Puig seems the most likely, with Barcelona keen to move the youngster on. The Gunners will face competition from many teams across Europe, including Leeds United, who are also interested.
Problems With the January Window
There is huge pressure on Arteta entering the market next month. These links suggest the club’s hierarchy will be working hard to provide the Spaniard with reinforcements. However, it is unclear how much money is available. The January window is always a difficult one, made only harder by the consequences of the pandemic.
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