Potential Transfer Targets for Arsenal

Arsenal have been impressive thus far despite losing their first game of the season to Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield.

The team has shown a different side to what Arsenal fans had come to expect and the new drive and vigor has begot more success.

Arsenal fans were pleased with the resigning of their captain and talismanic striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a 3-year deal. New signings, Willian from Chelsea and Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille, have been exceptional recording 2 assists and a debut goal respectively.

The North London based team is keen on strengthening their squad before the clock strikes midnight on October 5th and in order to achieve this feat, they are eyeing potential targets during the final week of the summer transfer window.

Houssem Aouar
The current Lyon midfielder has been tipped to be Arsenal’s main target this season. Technically sound on the ball, the French international might be the key to unlocking Arsenal’s creativity in the midfield. A product of Olympic Lyon Academy, the 22-year-old has made 138 appearances for the team scoring 24 goals and making 27 assists.

Aouar can fit into Arsenal’s new style of play as he is very effective in ball possession. Currently, Arsenal have made several bids for the sensational player looking to seal the deal with 40 million euros (sh 5 billion). Lyon initially had demanded 60 million euros (sh 8 billion) in order to release the Frenchman though Arsenal rejected the bid.

The conversation is still ongoing with rumors that Aouar has agreed personal terms with the Gunners and fresh negotiations are expected to take place within the course of the week.

Thomas Partey
It’s Partey time! Or that is the mantra of Arsenal fans as they hope to sign Atletico’s Thomas Partey.
Under the tutelage of Diego Simeone, alias El Cholo, the Ghanaian international has been dubbed the midfield destroyer. Across 5 seasons, he has made 185 appearances and usually plays in a defensive midfield position.

His presence is indispensable in protecting play from coming into crucial central areas. A striker’s nightmare when it comes to getting the ball past him, the 27-year-old has a keen sense of knowing when to slot into the back line and when to close down on opponents.

Arsenal have had a hard time reaching an agreement with Aletico Madrid as the Gunners are not keen on parting funds with the 49 million euros (sh 6 billion) release clause on Partey’s contract. However, the two clubs are in talks over a move for Lucas Torreira to the Spanish based club which might be the key to Arsenal’s chances of signing Partey.

Jorginho
A shock transfer target heard round the world. Many fans were startled as the Italian midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal. This would not be the first time manager Mikel Arteta had his sights set on Jorginho. When he was an assistant to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, the club came close to signing him from Napoli in 2018.

Jorginho captained Chelsea’s first two Premier League games but was benched for the game against West Brom days after the transfer rumors began.

Manager Mikel Arteta was asked about the transfer rumor during his Liverpool press conference on Friday and he hinted out at the possibility of seeking an alternative.

“We are still open to improving our team. We are looking for different options depending on what happens with our players here. We are getting prepared just in case we need to do something,” said Arteta.

As the transfer deadline draws near, who do you think is likely to come to Arsenal? Drop your comments below:

PLAYER	Houssem Aouar (Olympique Lyon)	Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid)	Jorginho (Chelsea)
APPEARANCES	25	35	31
GOALS	3	3	4
ASSISTS	4	0	2
ACCURATE PASSES PER GAME	86%	83%	88%
SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES	64%	89%	62%
AVERAGE RATING	6.85	7.09	7.03