Due to injury worries at both clubs, Manchester United may provide a threat to Arsenal in the final few days of the January transfer window. Although there may be a rush to complete any moves, the Gunners are eager to bolster their roster before the deadline on Tuesday.
The midfield is a particular source of worry because Mikel Arteta has a dearth of deeper options as the season enters its second half. While Thomas Partey’s initial problem against Manchester City on Friday isn’t significant, there will be some relief that Mohamed Elneny will miss some time with his injury.
Well, ideally, if we can, we need some extra midfield cover, Arteta told reporters. “It’s fairly difficult to do that in this market. The most crucial thing is that we use the guys we have on hand right now, who are already excellent, to deliver the performances and playing time we require.”
A threat from Manchester United might be presented to the Gunners if they decide to enter the market because of the Red Devils’ own injury woes. The newest casualty is Christian Eriksen, who departed United’s FA Cup victory over Reading on crutches, while Donny van de Beek is expected to miss a significant amount of time.
The Red Devils may seek a temporary solution and enter the market for some midfield additions because they are also lacking in players in the midfield. Given that Youri Tielemans’ contract at Leicester is about to expire and that Arsenal’s interest in him has waned, both teams have been linked to the player.
A £60 million opening bid from the Gunners was turned down on Friday, so Brighton star Moises Caicedo is another player who is being monitored at the Emirates Stadium. The Ecuadorian international has since expressed a desire to leave the Seagulls, but a previous admission that he had a dream of playing for Manchester United may put a wrench in the plans.
It’s unclear if they’ll join Arsenal in the search for a midfielder in the transfer market, but if they do, that could cause a major issue.