Arsenal will continue trying to balance out their squad as Mikel Arteta looks to offload those not competing for a regular place in his team, while also improving the side to push into the top half of the Premier League table after a recent turnaround in form.
The Gunners had an awful run over November and December, failing to win a single league game in seven and falling to within a couple of places of the relegation zone - but a recent four-game win streak across all competitions has reversed the mood somewhat, culminating in an FA Cup third-round win over Newcastle United on Saturday.
It wasn’t all good news from that match, though, as young forward Gabriel Martinelli picked up an injury in the warm-up. Another starlet did manage to shine, though, with Granit Xhaka praising Emile Smith Rowe after he found the breakthrough in extra time against the Magpies.
Mikel Arteta sounded his satisfaction that the VAR calls went his way, but the manager will now be looking to ensure the winning run goes on for longer, with the Gunners facing Crystal Palace in midweek before playing Newcastle again next Monday night. The boss hopes influential midfielder Thomas Partey could make his return from injury in that fixture, while off the pitch he is focused on offloading fringe members of the squad.
Mesut Ozil is expected to be one of the players departing the Emirates Stadium this month, while Arteta has also discussed the future of young forward Folarin Balogun. On the incoming side, the Gunners are still looking for a creative midfield outlet to play alongside Thomas, with RB Leipzig’s Marcel Sabitzer one of those linked with a move to north London.
We will have all the latest Arsenal news, rumours and gossip, from both potential signings and sales, throughout the day.
