With multiple rivals, including Manchester United, underperforming, Arsenal this season have seen their best chance in multiple seasons to compete for the top four. However, in the past period, Arsenal's life seems to have been a bit difficult. They suffered a defeat in the league and then failed to win in the League Cup. Arsenal have slipped to fifth in the league table and the situation is no longer optimistic for them. While they have the advantage of one less game, this make-up match against Wolves won't be easy. For Arteta and his players, the next fixtures will become more and more difficult, and they must adjust their form as soon as possible and regain the rhythm of the game.
In terms of the squad, Arteta faces considerable difficulties. The first is on the forward line. Aubameyang has been largely abandoned by Arteta. The team's home star has not played his role at all this season, both on and off the pitch. However, after abandoning Aubameyang, the other centre-forwards in arsenal, whether Lacazette or Nketia, were unable to fully shoulder the team's goal-scoring task. Sources suggest Arsenal are looking to sign a top-level centre-forward in the winter transfer window. Their target was Vlahović. The highly watched talented goalscorer has scored 16 league goals this season. So, despite his €50 million worth, Arsenal still want to sign him at this transfer window. If the transfer is successfully finalized, it will be difficult for Aubameyang to get another chance.
The second is in the midfield position. Arsenal still have players like Lacazette available relative to the forward line, but in the midfield position, Arteta has almost no one to use. At this transfer window, Niles has moved to Roma. The England fringe international is hoping to regain form in the second half of the season and return to Arsenal next season. As a result, the team did not have a buyout clause in his loan contract. Ernenni and the team's main defender Thomas are both competing in the Africa Cup of Nations and will certainly not be able to represent Arsenal for some time to come. Odegaard, who has performed well this season, is also on the injury list and will also miss several games in a row. This season, Erdegaard's needle in midfield is very important for the tactical operation of the team, and in the case of his inability to play, the team's attack is bound to be greatly affected.
The midfielder who most disappointed Arteta and his fans was Xhaka. The Swiss international was again sent off with a red card in the match and will be suspended. For Arsenal, with such a shortage of midfielders in the team, Xhaka's suspension has undoubtedly made the team worse. Judging from the current situation, more and more fans believe that Arteta should abandon Xhaka completely. With the right offer, the team should decisively sweep him out of the door. In the next round of the league, all of the above midfielders will not be able to play, and Arsenal will only have "one seedling" left in the midfield position, he is Lokunga. However, it also presents opportunities for young midfielder Patino. If he can get a chance to play and show a good performance, then he is expected to play a more important role in the second half of the season.
However, for Arsenal, it is difficult for these midfielders alone to be competitive enough in the second half of the season. In particular, compared to their competitors, they are significantly inferior in midfield. In this transfer window, Arsenal have been operating the transfer of former Brazil international Artur. This season, Artur has not had many opportunities at Juventus and has performed more generally. Without enough trust, Artur also wants to change teams. As things stand, the transfer is moving quite quickly. According to Pakistani media, Arsenal have reached an agreement with Artur on his personal treatment, and they are communicating with Juventus about the player's transfer fee, which is very close to completion. In the transfer market, although the midfielder is worth 35 million euros, since he is almost out of the team's plans, Arsenal are expected to complete the transfer at a relatively low price.
In addition, as one of Arsenal's main rivals in the top four, Manchester United also hope to strengthen the squad in this transfer window. As we all know, Manchester United's main shortcoming is also in the midfield position. The team lacks a midfielder who can both stand defensively and deliver high-quality passes to the frontcourt players when attacking. According to Italian media, Manchester United are interested in Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who plays for Napoli and is one of the top midfielders in the league. From the technical point of view, fabian Ruiz, who is 1.89 meters tall, has both attack and defense, which is very in line with Manchester United's reinforcement requirements. Fabian Ruiz has contributed five goals and two assists in the league this season and is worth €45 million. (The picture comes from the Internet, if there is infringement, please contact to delete)