Marquinhos of Arsenal during a training session at London Colney
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners ‘deal done’ as Mikel Arteta prepares for two players to depart
Arsenal have not been active in the transfer window and with deadline day underway they could see some moves away from the club if not for a new striker for Mikel Arteta
The January transfer window is winding down as we enter its final hours, but could yet speed as the final opportunity to sign players before the end of the season disappears.
Arsenal have yet to secure a new signing this month and Mikel Arteta appears to have already written off the possibility of that happening. The Spaniard does have concerns over his squad however.
“We have one of the thinnest squads in the League, that\\\’s for sure, and when you talk about the numbers, especially in certain areas, we are really thin,” he said ahead of the club\\\’s win over Nottingham Forest.
“It wasn\\\’t possible [to do any January deals]. And now we didn\\\’t have the capacity to improve the team in the way that we think we want to improve it, so we decided not to do something yet.”
That has not slowed down news and rumours developing over possible departures however. The Gunners have already recalled Marquinhos and Omar Rekik this month, while Mike Biereth has went on loan to Sturm Graz and Alex Kirk and Kido Taylor Hart joined Bromley on loan until the end of the season.
More movement could still be on the way. With the chance of deals until 11pm, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours below.
Marquinhos ‘deal done’
The Brazilian winger is currently in Venezuela in a bid to help his nation secure qualification for the Olympics but he could yet find another club before the end of the window. The 20-year-old saw his time a Nantes cut short earlier in the month after just seven Ligue 1 appearances.
Reports in Brazil, per Sport Witness, say a deal is done to take Marquinhos to Fluminense. While the youngster expected to see out the season at Arsenal, there is even talk that a deal could see an option to make the move permanent come the end of the season.
Another farewell
Another youngster looks ready to depart Arsenal before the window is done in Lino Sousa. Aston Villa are set to sign the star according to the Athletic. Sousa arrived in north London just two seasons ago from the Midlands when Edu and co prised the defender from West Brom.
The youngster\’s medical is already said to be complete with reports suggesting that the Villans are already on their way to setting up a loan move to Plymouth Argyle. Sousa has not made a senior appearance for Arsenal but was among the substitutes for the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool. The likes of Rangers, Galatasary and Juventus were all linked with the 19-year-old\’s signature.
Forward chances
The opportunity to sign a striker this month appears to be at it\’s end but it does not mean it is off the agenda entirely. Gabriel Jesus is confident in his ability to lead Arsenal\’s line but has not yet entirely convinced everyone that he can push the Gunners over the line in the Premier League title race.
Fabrizio Romano believes that Callum Wilson could still prove to be available should the right offer arrive. The Newcastle striker has been linked to the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, and the Italian transfer gurus believe the forward is one to watch.
He said: “Yes, I think that will be the case. It could be one to watch. Newcastle insist that the player is going nowhere, which is the same position they had on Kieran Trippier. So, it\’s not easy, but if they receive an important proposal because of Financial Fair Play, that could be a different situation. Wilson could be open to the move.”
A deal could be difficult after Eddie Howe saw Alexander Isak limp off against Aston Villa on Tuesday night. Howe suggested any movement was unlikely.
He said: “I expect us to be finished for the window. There’s very little time for us to do anything — either in or out. We don’t know the severity of Isak’s injury but hope it’s not too bad. But his injury isn’t likely to change things. I don’t think we have the ability to do that (sign someone).”