Arsenal have begun to add some edge to their game on the field of late with Mikel Arteta’s side quick to back each other in confrontations with opposition players and officials. The same edge has, however, been lacking from the Gunners activity in the market.
Arsenal have lacked some of the cut-throat behaviour to secure the world’s top talents. Arene Wenger famously has a list of the world’s elite that he came very close to bringing to the club.
Technical director Edu had a strong summer window making six first-team additions to the squad who have all gone on to impress. With the January window opening tomorrow, now is the time for Arsenal to look at capitalising on the misfortunes of other sides.
Monaco have reportedly sacked coach Niko Kovac according to a source of AFP via France24.
The Croatian joined the French club in 2020 after losing his job at Bayern Munich the year prior. Monaco sit sixth in the table four points behind third-placed Marseille who have a game in hand.
Monaco, known for the plethora of footballing talent to come through their gates, still hold some of the best young players in the country.
In particular, is 21-year-old midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The French senior international has been linked with a whole host of clubs across the continent and in England.
He is quoted by L'Equipe mentioning being aware of interest from two of Italy’s biggest sides.
“When I started in Bordeaux, the media were already wondering every summer if Aurelien Tchouameni was going to move to a bigger club,” he said.
“In 2018, they were already talking about Juventus or Milan.
“I know for a fact that what is true in October is not necessarily what’s true in June. If I start to think that I’m going to leave, it will show directly in my performances on the pitch.”
However, Arsenal, with their sights on Champions League qualification, should be looking to take advantage of the recent upheaval at the Monegasque side to swoop in on the Frenchman.
The Gunners have reason to pursue a midfielder this winter with both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny leaving for the African Cup of Nations. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is also looking likely to leave with discussions taking place over a loan move to Roma.
With there being the potential and need to significantly upgrade the midfield, the incentive to push for Tchouameni this winter is there. It could be a difference-maker for the club regarding their push for a Champions League qualification spot.
It is time for Arsenal to take the prerogative and start to mirror the intent of the biggest rivals in the transfer window.
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