Arsenal in new signing 'talks behind the scenes' - Transfer guru

Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal recruitment team are working hard behind the scenes to line up new signings and improve their squad depth in case... The post Arsenal in new signing 'talks behind the scenes' - Transfer guru appeared first on Football Insider.

Oct 10, 2024 - 15:00

Arsenal in new signing 'talks behind the scenes' - Transfer guru

Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal recruitment team are working hard behind the scenes to line up new signings and improve their squad depth in case of injuries.

This is according to recruitment expert and former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Gunners will explore the transfer market in January as they are keen to strengthen their side.

Brown previously told Football Insider that Arteta’s side are considering signing an alternative to Martin Odegaard after his recent injury struggles.

Now, Bukayo Saka was namechecked as the recruitment team believe they still lack sufficient depth on the right wing despite Raheem Sterling’s arrival on loan from Chelsea.

The 23-year-old England star made 47 appearances for Arsenal last season, with 46 of those coming from the start, and has started all ten of their games so far this season.

This has led to calls for the club to bring in a capable deputy for their star man, who could help reduce the workload he currently carries.

Brown pointed to Man City’s squad and the depth of talent they have got, as he claimed Arsenal would attempt to match their depth by entering the transfer market.

Arsenal look to Man City for transfer inspiration ahead of January window

The constant rotation in Pep Guardiola’s team is due to the strength in depth, with at least two players in each position allowing them to manage their fitness.

Brown, who worked at Man United for over a decade during their most successful period including a spell as Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two, insisted that the Gunners will look to build a squad in a similar shape to that of title rivals.

“Yes, they’ll be looking to strengthen their depth,” he told Football Insider.

“If I put my chief scout’s hat on – when you’ve got a good side like Arsenal have, you’re always planning for what happens if players get injured.

“Those are the discussions they’re having behind the scenes all the time.

“They won’t sit back and think ‘Wow, what a team we’ve got’, because that could change in no time at all. You need to consider all of the alternatives.

“I know Arsenal will be doing that now in case somebody like Saka gets injured.

“They’ve done a brilliant job to bring themselves up to a level where they can compete with Manchester City, but I don’t think they have the same type of depth City have at the moment.