With the Raya transfer confirmed in mid-August, the challenge for the remainder of the window was to balance the squad and seal numerous first-team departures. With Kieran Tierney, Folarin Balogun, Rob Holding and Nuno Tavares all leaving the club both on temporary and permanent deals, that objective was mostly met.
However, Nicolas Pepe and Cedric Soares remain as two outcasts unable to seal moves away, although the trading period still being open in Saudi Arabia, Portugal and Turkey provides some hope. With the window shut in England, it would appear only exits can now be sealed, but there are a number of free agents that Arteta could still welcome to the club.
With that said, football.london has taken a look at the marquee players still without clubs that could potentially suit Arsenal's style of play.
Sergio Ramos
A defensive signing was seen as a must by many after the long-term injury to Jurrien Timber, but no such purchase was made. However, Sergio Ramos, valued at £3.9million on transfermarkt, remains without a club after a disappointing spell in Paris Saint-Germain ended in the summer.
For further proof Arsenal need to sign a new defender, both Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu will temporarily depart in January to compete in AFCON and the Asia cup, leaving Arsenal with just five defenders. But signing Ramos on a free will lessen that worry while also giving Arteta a four-time Champions League winner.
Eden Hazard
Former Chelsea ace Eden Hazard use to terrorise Arsenal and the Gunners now have the chance to sign him. The Belgium international saw his Real Madrid spell plagued by injury but he is still only 32 and he could have several more years in the game if he chooses to continue.
Arsenal appear somewhat light on the wings and having Hazard as an option, especially ahead of a Champions League campaign, could prove to be very valuable.
Morgan Schneiderlin
The Southampton team in 2015 was truly a sight to behold and anchoring that side was Morgan Schneiderlin. The France international then moved to Manchester United with his career unfortunately dwindling away.
A spell at Everton could not revive his time in England but he has already proven he is capable of playing in the Premier League. The 33-year-old, valued at £1.3million on transfermarkt, did sign a two-year contract with Konyaspor recently but it was terminated by mutual consent just two weeks later.
Jese Rodriguez
Having Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain on your footballing CV is quite impressive but for Jese Rodrizguez it has appeared to be more of a curse than a blessing.
The Spain international, now valued at £0.857million, was tipped for big things but he has struggled to match that hype. The former Stoke City man has played Premier League football before and could be a useful option for the Gunners to have if they decide to sign another attacker.
0 Comments