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According to a report, Arsenal are ready to swap a youngster for a midfielder in January.
THE LOWDOWN: INTERESTED REIGNITED
Arsenal found themselves in a dilemma when both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny got injured just a few days before the summer transfer window closed.
That situation sent Mikel Arteta and Edu to the market for an emergency signing and that was how Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz and Palmeiras’ Danilo came into the picture at the 11th hour. However, Arsenal’s multiple bids for Luiz were rejected by the Premier League club.
With the January transfer window fast on the horizon, the Gunners have identified some players they want to settle for and it appears they are preparing for a possible swap.
THE LATEST: POSSIBLE SWAP
Arsenal are reportedly planning to ‘sacrifice Albert Sambi Lokonga’ in a straight £26m January swap deal for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli.
Thomas Partey’s injury concerns have forced Arteta into the market for a new midfielder and Lokonga’s quality hasn’t been of help this season.
CalcioMercatoWeb claims that Arsenal are preparing a straight swap for the Italy international with Lokonga moving in the opposite direction. With both players not getting regular playing time at the moment, a deal might be possible.
A slight complication, however, is that Locatelli is currently at Juventus on a two-year loan deal for Sassuolo. Well, there is an obligation to buy – but this does not become active until the end of the season. So for the Gunners to find their way, they will have to depend on the Old Lady to activate that on time in order to get their man.
THE VERDICT: QUALITY NEEDED
Good to see Arteta and Arsenal moving early in the transfer market as they hope to get a new midfielder in by January. Lokonga has not been convincing in the games he has played for the Gunners and Arteta is looking for additions.
Locatelli has played top football in Italy and his experience could be vital for Arsenal if the move happens. One thing is clear though, a new midfielder would arrive at the Emirates in January.
