Arsenal are preparing to face Kairat in the Champions League on the pitch as the end of the January transfer window approaches off it
Arsenal have plenty to consider in the final days of the January transfer window. The Gunners will be eager for Mikel Arteta to have the strongest squad possible as the club targets multiple trophies this season.
The Premier League leaders suffered a setback in their defeat to Manchester United but still boast a four-point lead in their bid to clinch a long-awaited league title. Arsenal's immediate focus will be on finishing the Champions League group phase with a flawless record as Arteta’s side prepare to host Kairat at the Emirates Stadium.
While the Gunners have thrived in European competition, their recent lack of cutting edge domestically has seen the team face questions as deadline day approaches. Here is a closer look at some of the latest transfer headlines surrounding the club.
Martin Odegaard discussion emerges
The early signs are that Ethan Nwaneri made the right decision to leave the Gunners on loan in the January transfer window. Having been on the fringes of the Arsenal team, the 18-year-old scored just 13 minutes into his Marseille debut last weekend.
Arsenal and Nwaneri will hope that his time in France continues to prove why he deserves more minutes under Arteta, having not started a league game for the Gunners this term. Martin Odegaard can relate to Nwaneri’s situation, having had several loan spells during his career, and the captain shared what he told the youngster ahead of his move to Marseille.
"I went on loan a few times when I was a young player and so I spoke with Ethan before he left about it," Odegaard wrote in Arsenal’s matchday programme. "We spoke about what he was feeling about his situation and the opportunity, and I understand it - I've been there too. Obviously, you always want to play more, so this will be a good move for him."
He continued: "At that stage of your career, you need to play games to grow even more and it's a chance for him to take more responsibility and to grow as a player, and as a person."
Midfielder ‘open’ to move
Ajax have reportedly opened talks with Arsenal over a move for Christian Norgaard. The former Brentford star was signed for £12million in the summer but has had limited opportunities due to competition for places in midfield, making six starts in 11 appearances.
Caught Offside reports that Norgaard tops Ajax’s list of targets, with the midfielder claimed to be open to joining the Dutch club. Arsenal are claimed to value the 31-year-old at around £14m, with Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund, Roma and Lazio also said to hold interest in the midfielder.
However, Norgaard played down transfer speculation during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. The Arsenal star said: “No, I’m really, really happy here and the messages I get from the club is that they’re really happy with me as well.”
On his lack of regular game time, Norgaard added: “I would obviously love to play more minutes, but the minutes I’ve had so far I’ve really enjoyed. Also, in the competition we’re playing in tomorrow, I’ve had a few games, and for me it’s the first run in the Champions League, so it’s been amazing. Even though I’m not playing as much, I still try to contribute with everything I can around the group.”