Arteta comments on Arsenal transfer plans ahead of January window
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal are expecting some activity in the January transfer window. Arsenal enter the mid-season window in good shape, having won their last five matches in all competitions, but the Gunners boss still expects the club to be busy next month.
Arsenal were the biggest spenders in the Premier League over the summer, bringing in six new players for a combined outlay of over £150million.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Martin Odegaard have all played their part this season.
But the forward line remains an area of potential interest, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract in July and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang currently frozen out.
Meanwhile, there are some fringe players who could depart the club, either on loan or on permanent deals.
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Balogun could be sent out on loan in January (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal are expected to send Folarin Balogun out on loan in January, with the club wanting to test the young striker with regular game time.
According to Football.London, Championship clubs Middlesbrough, Millwall and Swansea have expressed interest in Balogun, as well as French side Saint-Etienne.
"I do feel like I am ready for a new challenge but I am not sure what that might be, it might be a loan or if I am needed at Arsenal then I am here and the gaffer knows that,” he said recently.
"I am definitely open to a new challenge but it is something that whatever that challenge is I will be ready.”
Mohamed Elneny, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac have all also been linked with moves away from the club in January.
“Any news with any player we keep it private,” Arteta added. “Ainsley is our player at the moment.”
Arteta was holding his press conference remotely on Friday after contracting coronavirus for a second time.
Arsenal’s assistant coach Albert Stuivenburg will lead the team from the touchline against Manchester City on Saturday.
“We will be in touch but as well I want to give them the responsibility and the freedom to make decisions on the pitch and to express themselves,” Arteta said.
“I’m going to be here to support and help in certain moments but they have to get the momentum of the game and communication themselves.”