Arsenal remain firmly in contention for the Premier League title despite experiencing a setback over the weekend.
The Gunners currently trail Liverpool by just five points following their draw against Everton. However, the result has been seen as a missed opportunity, especially after Liverpool were also held to a draw by Fulham at Anfield. Arsenal’s pursuit of reinforcements in the coming months could be key to narrowing the gap, with Mikel Arteta’s side linked to several players, including Viktor Gyokeres.
On the other hand, some departures could be on the horizon in January. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments and rumors from North London.
Gyokeres Transfer Criticized
Despite ongoing links to Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal have been advised to steer clear of signing him. Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney expressed doubts about Gyokeres’ ability to propel the Gunners to the title.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Deeney said:
“You know when you say something, and the clip is going to resurface in six months? I genuinely think he’s a good footballer who works really hard. But I don’t see him as a natural finisher. And yes, people will point to his goal record, but I don’t believe he’s the player to take Arsenal or Liverpool to the Premier League title. If he was, one of them would have already signed him.”
Arteta Addresses Sterling’s Lack of Game Time
Raheem Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea, has found playing opportunities limited at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta explained the reasons for Sterling’s lack of minutes, noting it’s not due to tactical concerns but rather injury management.
“There have been moments where I’ve found it tough to accept that I haven’t given him more opportunities,” Arteta said.
“When he doesn’t start games, 90 percent of the time it’s related to preserving him or preventing injuries. It’s not tactical. I want him to play more because he can positively impact the team. He’s great in the dressing room and eager to contribute.
“However, he’s in a challenging phase, similar to what he experienced at Chelsea. It’s tough, and I empathize with players in this situation. I hope we can change things moving forward.”
Arsenal Miss Out on Promising Talent
The Gunners have lost out on highly-rated wonderkid Vladyslav Krapivtsov, who has signed with Spanish side Girona. The 19-year-old, who previously trained with both Arsenal and Chelsea earlier this season, was available on a free transfer after leaving Dnipro-1.
However, due to post-Brexit regulations, Arsenal were unable to secure the young midfielder’s services. Krapivtsov has now committed to Girona with a long-term deal that runs until 2029.
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