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With the peak of the January transfer window now in full swing, Arsenal are busy targeting players to bolster their roster. However, Mikel Arteta has been vocal that only those transfers will be considered who can bring an immediate difference in the performance of the team. A strategy that has left fans and pundits pondering over the names of the players the Gunners may target in this winter transfer window.
Arteta's January Transfer Strategy: Quality Over Quantity
The manager's priority is straightforward: Arsenal will only target players who could make an instant impact. At a recent press conference, the Spanish boss told his audience that adding players to the squad for the sake of it doesn't improve anything. "We're looking for someone who can impact the team right away," said Arteta. "It's about improving our performance and bringing something that we don't have. To find that in this market is very difficult."
Arteta's words are indicative of the club's approach this transfer window. The club isn't looking to fill gaps; they want to upgrade with top-class talent. So long as the team is performing at a high level, only those who can make marked improvements to the squad will likely be targeted.
Arsenal Interested in Barcelona's Ronald Araujo
One such name reported to be in Arsenal's thoughts is the central defender at Barcelona, Ronald Araujo. In his 25 years of Uruguayan, he has said that he may leave the Catalans this year. So Arsenal is reportedly amongst the teams keenly monitoring Araujo's position. Sport reported in news that the Gunners could even make an offer for him soon.
But he will not be signed easily as Barcelona is reportedly holding a price between €70-80 million (£58.7-67.1m) for the defender. For this price, intent from Araujo to leave, with his potential to strengthen Arsenal's backline, is what makes him an attractive target. Juventus is reportedly interested as well, and their initial €35m bid may rise to around €50m, according to reports.
Jakub Kiwior's Future at Arsenal
While Araujo is being pursued, there is a growing belief that Jakub Kiwior will not be leaving Arsenal this window. There were mentions about the Polish defender wanting to move away and potential suitors, but Sport Witness suggest that Arsenal have no intentions of letting Kiwior leave this month.
Despite the constant speculation, Arsenal seems determined to keep the 23-year-old centre-back in their ranks. While the club might be willing to let him go in the summer for a decent price of around €15-20m, there is no immediate intention to offload him in the current transfer window. Kiwior's future will likely be revisited at the end of the season, depending on his development and Arsenal's squad needs.
Will Arsenal Make Big Moves This January?
With Arteta's demands in place, much of Arsenal's success in securing the right signings depends on whether they are able to find players that fit the immediate needs and are available at the right price. The possible bids for Araujo, and Kiwior's situation, may turn out to be the main story to watch as the Gunners seek to strengthen their backline with tools that would help them challenge for top honors in the second half of the season.
While the January window is always tricky for big signings, Arsenal remains in the market for reinforcements. The fans hope that Arteta's strategy comes off and that their club gets just the right talent to help achieve their goals.
Key Transfer News:
- Ronald Araujo: Arsenal's potential bid in place for the Barcelona defender.
- Jakub Kiwior's future at Arsenal: His stay is believed to be certain despite many speculations doing the rounds.
- Arsenal hunt for players 'ready' now: Arteta seeks quality, not quantity this January window.
As Arsenal prepares to strengthen their squad for the rest of the season, the main concentration will fall on securing those players who would adapt quickly to improve the performance of the team in order to be competitive for titles and European spots.
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