Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been given some strict instructions ahead of the January transfer window, and has been told he will need to sell players before any can arrive. Arsenal are reportedly eager to sign a new creative midfielder.
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But according to The Athletic, there are concerns that the Arsenal squad is too big at the moment, and will require trimming in January.
William Saliba will likely depart – albeit on loan – after failing to find his feet in England since joining from St Etienne in 2019.
And it is possible they will look to move on a few players who are out of contract at the end of the season.
Ozil is set to leave for nothing at the end of the season, but could be shopped around in January for a minimal fee to avoid Arsenal missing out on a transfer fee.
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke hands Mikel Arteta strict January transfer policy (Image: REACH PLC)
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke hands Mikel Arteta strict January transfer policy (Image: GETTY)
They also have Sokratis, David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi out of contract, and it remains plausible that any of those three could leave.
Arsenal are also bracing themselves for a flurry of bids from Barcelona for Hector Bellerin, with reports suggesting presidential candidate Joan Laporta is eager to sign him.
If he is to go, the Gunners are apparently lining up a move for Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey.
That one might wait until the summer, however, with the presidential elections not taking place until January.