Arsenal Transfer News
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With the January transfer window fast approaching, Arsenal are busy drawing up their plans, with manager Mikel Arteta focused on both potential signings and navigating a few challenging contract situations. While Arteta has indeed hinted at strengthening his squad in the winter window, he may find himself rather dealing with the exit doors of some key players, including star midfielder Thomas Partey. The Gunners will also keep a close watch on the possible arrival of young Brazilian talent Vitor Reis, but the price will be steep.
Partey's Exit Looms as Contract Talks Stall
Arsenal find themselves in a precarious situation with Thomas Partey, whose current contract expires at the end of the season. The Ghanaian midfielder has been an important part of Mikel Arteta's plans, featuring in 21 matches this season, in which he scored two goals and provided an assist. However, despite his importance to the team, negotiations over a new deal have made little progress.
From January 1, Partey will be free to talk to other clubs, and with Arsenal not having reached an agreement, the risk of losing him for nothing next summer is growing. European clubs and Saudi Arabian teams have already shown interest in the 31-year-old. While Arteta will be loath to let him go in January, Arsenal have a problem: it is a case of selling Partey now and getting a fee or losing him for nothing in the summer when his contract expires.
Striker Search: Keown Urges Arteta to Act
The striking options have been a big talking point at Arsenal, with many calling for Arteta to bring in a new forward. Kai Havertz is currently being used as a makeshift option up top, with Gabriel Jesus his backup. However, Arsenal legend Martin Keown thinks the team needs a more prolific goal-scorer.
Keown went on to express his concern about the club's current forwards: "We talk about Havertz and Jesus - they need to score more goals and be more ruthless. I think they could do with that different tool in the box, that player who can find an opportunity out of nothing."
While Jesus brings in much-needed experience and has contributed to the team in multiple ways, Keown suggests that Arsenal need a man who will regularly score the goals. And with the Gunners seeking to challenge on all fronts this season, a new striker may be top of the shopping list.
Vitor Reis Price Tag Set: Arsenal Face Stiff Competition
On the transfer front, Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Palmeiras' highly-rated defender, Vitor Reis. The 19-year-old Brazilian is seen as one of the top young talents in the world, and the Gunners are among the frontrunners for his signature. However, Palmeiras has placed a hefty price tag on the defender, with João Paulo Sampaio, coordinator of Palmeiras' youth teams, confirming that it would take €35 million (approximately £29 million) to secure a deal.
"There were two teams that talked about €30million and Palmeiras refused. Vitor Reis will be the most expensive defender in the history of Brazil," Sampaio said. "Palmeiras did not want to listen to Vitor Reis' proposals because they are focused on the 2025 Club World Cup. If there is anything, just like what happened with Estêvão, it will be after the World Cup."
Arsenal will need to move fast if they are to land the talented young defender, as there are sure to be many interested clubs after his signature. But given the price for his signature and the fact that Palmeiras want to prepare for the coming World Cup, it may mean any deal for Reis may take place after the World Cup, which will make January very important for the Gunners.
Conclusion
With the January transfer window looming, Mikel Arteta faces a critical period in terms of both managing outgoings and strengthening his squad. The potential departure of Thomas Partey looms large, and the Gunners must make a decision on whether to cash in on the midfielder or risk losing him for free next summer. In contrast, Vitor Reis has had a price put on his head by Palmeiras, and Arsenal need to invest a considerable sum for the talented centre-half.
As always, Gunners' supporters will have much reason to wait with high expectation for how Arsenal conduct the final acts of such essential transfer decisions.
