Arsenal are considering selling Martin Zubimendi to Chelsea to raise funds for an £80 million January transfer, according to reports. The Gunners are six points clear at the top of the Premier League and unbeaten in the Champions League, but an early Carabao Cup exit to Fleetwood Town and criticism of performances have cast a shadow over the club.
Mikel Arteta has dismissed claims his side are not exciting to watch, but there are issues to fix. Express Sport have identified three decisions the club can make in the January transfer window to ensure they become back-to-back champions.
Sell Martin Zubimendi to Chelsea
The Arsenal-to-Chelsea transfer path is well travelled, and it could be used again this winter. Zubimendi cannot get a look-in at the moment and is being linked with a move away. Chelsea are in need of a midfielder, having waved goodbye to Enzo Fernandez on deadline day without signing a replacement. The funds raised from selling Zubimendi could go towards strengthening Arsenal's forward line.
Buy Eli Junior Kroupi
One of the biggest missteps in the summer window was the lack of forward signings, made worse by injuries to key attacking personnel. Eli Junior Kroupi has been touted as a likely candidate to join, with the Bournemouth attacker just making his way back from injury. Kroupi will not come cheap, but he knows where the back of the net is and would be an upgrade centrally.
Reintegrate William Saliba
Managing William Saliba's reintroduction will be crucial. The Frenchman has been out since the World Cup and has yet to play this season, with Ezri Konsa excelling in his place. Arteta will not want to rush Saliba back, but the 25-year-old makes the team better when he is in the starting line-up. Managing his minutes to avoid aggravating the injury could define how successful the season is.
