Five players that Arsenal could sign in the January transfer window after the admission of Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal are “very far” from where they should be after the start of the season.

The Spaniard is in his first full season as a manager and has overseen some impressive performances, most notably his win at Manchester United.

But four defeats in their first eight league games mean they are somewhat off the beat.

Arteta has reiterated that the Gunners must understand the way back to the top, but recognizes the need to produce results.

“We are very far away, I’m afraid. It is part of a process,” he told the club’s official website.

“The results have to be immediate, and the challenge we have with the club we represent is that we have to win every game in every competition as quickly as possible.”

“So far we have played 14 games in all competitions this season, we won 10 and lost four and all four have been in the Premier League, so it is a bit lopsided.”

Arteta was allowed to bring in several new faces in the summer, but there is still a noticeable gap in class between them and players like Liverpool and Manchester City.

With that in mind, we take a look at five players Arsenal could chase in January.

Houssem Aouar

The Lyon midfielder was the one who escaped in the summer.

Aouar played a starring role, as Lyon impressed in the Champions League and attracted a lot of attention.

Arteta is eager to add a forward-thinking midfielder after signing the very energetic Thomas Partey from Atlético de Madrid.

Aouar is likely to charge a hefty fee from Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, far from being an easy man to negotiate.

But signing the 22-year-old would certainly give Arsenal some creativity and style in the final third.

Jack grealish

Speaking of creativity and style, there are few better who encompass that more than the man from Aston Villa.

Not that Grealish was auditioning, but disarming the Gunners in a 3-0 win for his team recently will only have added to his appeal.

The 25-year-old, who is finally getting the recognition from England he deserves, has been Villa’s standout player for several years.

Former striker Gilberto Silva recently gave him a glowing review when he said: “Realistic, unbelievable. Looks like he could be a player that Arsenal missed.

“With his skill, he was one of the guys in the middle who can play beautiful football.”

However, trying to sign the player mid-season will be a challenge, especially with Villa so well of late.

Jerome boateng

The Bayern Munich defender is set to leave the Allianz Arena after a decade this summer with his contract expiring.

But that may allow the Gunners to seal a cut-price deal in an effort to get ahead of the competition.

Boateng was previously linked with the North London team and is free to start negotiating with other clubs in the New Year.

Arsenal’s new kid, William Saliba, hasn’t fitted in as many expected, leaving Arteta light at the back.

Boateng has a wealth of experience and a resume to match, making him a valuable addition, on and off the field.

Dominic’s Rooms

The young Hungarian is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.

His performances with Red Bull Salzburg have attracted a lot of attention and he was able to show his talents on the Champions League stage last season.

Szoboszlai’s agent. Matyas Esterhaz recently denied rumors of a deal with RB Leipzig, which means the door remains open for Arsenal.

“Dominik Szoboszlai has no agreement with Leipzig or any other club, except of course his current club Red Bull Salzburg,” he told the Hungarian media Index.

It could also be a much cheaper alternative to some of the club’s other goals, with Salzburg reportedly seeking around £ 18 million.

Brenner

The young Brazilian is another player believed to be on Arsenal’s radar and could be available at a low price.

Brenner has scored 17 times in 27 games for Sao Paulo so far this season and could help add more firepower to the Gunners’ attack.

Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have struggled for goals lately, while Eddie Nketiah is still developing.

But Gabriel Martinelli’s success has led Arsenal to consider more recruits from South America.

Sao Paulo had valued Brenner at £ 45 million, but as a result of the coronavirus pandemic it could now accept just half.

Where will Arsenal finish this season? Give us your opinion here.

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