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Arsenal targeting three transfers in problems positions before January window closes
Arsenal want to make three signings before the end of the January transfer window.
Mikel Arteta: It's a possibility Arsenal won't sign anyone new
Arsenal want to sign three players before the January transfer window closes. The Gunners have so far made no additions to their squad this month despite languishing at 10th in the Premier League table.
But the north London side are scouting the market for potential recruits as the clock ticks down on their chance to pounce.
Premier League clubs have until 11pm on January 31 to sign new players - and there are three positions in which Arsenal are keen to strengthen.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal want a left-sided centre-back, a left-back and a central midfielder.
The 13-time champions of England are uncertain how many players they will be able to welcome to Emirates Stadium this month, though.
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Arsenal held talks with Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa last week but that appeared to be centred on a free transfer in the summer once the player’s contract expires.
PSG sporting director Leonardo confirmed on Sunday night that the club had received no contact from the Gunners over a permanent move this window.
There are reservations about the 27-year-old’s attitude and the fact that first-choice left-back Juan Bernat is sidelined with injury means Kurzawa has begun to start in recent weeks.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been forced to play winger Bakuyo Saka in the role due to injuries to Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac.
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As for centre-back, David Luiz and Sokratis Papastathopoulos have struck up an unconvincing partnership with the latter currently carrying a knock.
Rob Holding is fit but has dealt with long-term injuries in the recent past and Calum Chambers has been ruled out for the season.
Shkodran Mustafi is the only other option following Konstantinos Mavropanos’ loan move to Nurnberg, leaving Arsenal quite light.
John Stones, who Arteta worked with at Manchester City, has been linked with a move to Arsenal but the Spanish coach poured cold water on speculation.
“John is a player I really liked and we followed him before we signed him when I was at City and I worked with him for many years and know him well,” Arteta said.
“Obviously when I look at centre-backs he’s got many attributes I like from one, but we are not interested in him.”
As for central midfield, it is understood Dani Ceballos wants to return to Real Madrid halfway through his loan stay.
Arsenal are not exactly depleted in the position with Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock all contending for starting spot in the centre of the park but they want a replacement before the Spaniard's deal can be cancelled.