The January transfer window for Arsenal could be one of the most telling in the clubs history with Mikel Arteta looking to bring a first Premier League title to north London since 2004. The Gunners currently lead the way at the top of the table but face question marks over the depth of their squad.
Gabriel Jesus' injury at the World Cup only compounded the underlying issue within Arteta’s squad and has added more pressure on Edu Gasper to bolster the ranks this month. football.london understands that a new wide forward and central midfielder are the two key areas.
As widely reported over the past few months, Shakhtar Donetsk starboy Mykhaylo Mudryk is the No.1 target at the Emirates Stadium to supply additional firepower in Arsenal's final third. Leicester City man Youri Tielemans has been heavily linked over the previous six months but football.london understands interest has cooled in the Belgian.
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Arsenal are on course for a bright future, with the average age of Areta's starting XI against Newcastle only 24. The array of young talent within the club means the Gunners are in position to compete in years to come with a number of players in reserve awaiting their opportunity.
The club signed 19-year-old Marquinhos from Sao Paolo in the summer for only £3million with one eye on building the future at Arsenal. Despite only making five appearances for the senior squad, the forward has contributed to six goals in five Premier League fixtures for Mehmet Ali's Under-23s.
Despite most of their attention being on improving the current crop of players, reports from Brazil have claimed the Gunners are 'observing' Gremio right-back Lucas Kawan.
Band journalist Kaliel reported the news, claiming they will have to fend off competition from the City Group for his services.
Manchester City also share an interest for the 19-year-old, who has only recently broken into the first team at Gremio. Kawan's contract at Arena do Gremio expires in 2025 and suitors around Europe are expected to be keen over the next 12 months.
Back in 2019, Arsenal snapped up then-18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano FC after he earned recognition for his performances in South America with 10 goals in 34 appearances. Fast forward three years and the Brazilian has emerged as one of the Gunners' star players with seven Premier League goals in 17 games this season.
A £6million bargain, the 21-year-old is now valued at €100m (£88m) by CIES Football Observatory. Arsenal and Edu will be hoping to replicate the same pathway for Kawan should a deal be struck to sign him.
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