Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal climbed back to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday thanks to a 1-0 victory away to Brentford as Kai Havertz scored a late winner.
Manchester City were held by Liverpool at the weekend which allowed the Gunners to take their place at the top and, after leading the race for much of the 2022/23 campaign, Arteta will be trying to work out how his team can stay at the summit. With the January transfer window inching ever closer he is preparing to strengthen his hand; and reports have surfaced in the London media that Victor Osimhen might well be on his way to the Emirates.
The Napoli striker has fallen out with his club, a crying shame for the fans who cheered him on as the Naples giants won a first Scudetto this century. The biggest clubs in Europe have all been alerted and free spending Chelsea have already been linked. But now Arsenal have been reported to be lining up a new striker in January and Osimhen is one target for Arteta, who is looking for a proven goal getter to rival his current front man Gabriel Jesus. The Brazil star isn’t an out-and-out striker, but he was an integral part of Arsenal’s title attempt last season, and a move for Osimhen might unsettle him.
The Nigeria man would cost around £100m but in the current market that is not unreasonable for a striker who’s plundered 56 goals in 91 games for a top European outfit. The current Premier League 2023 betting odds make the Gunners second favourites to win the title and, if they can sign Osimhen they could be the team to push Manchester City the hardest.
While they are getting ready to spend, Arsenal might begin to balance the books by off-loading keeper Aaran Ramsdale. The England goalie has struggled to keep hold of the number one jersey with Spain stopper David Raya often being preferred. Ramsdale made a return in Arsenal’s win over Brentford but, despite keeping a clean sheet, he looked uncertain and a little rusty.
It looks like he’s on his way out and Wolves is the first club to be linked with Ramsdale.
Here at SBOTOP we’ll keep a close eye on this story, which is sure to gather pace over the next few weeks.
And there may be another departure from the Emirates with midfield star Jorginho being tracked by Xavi’s Barcelona who are still looking for a replacement for former lynchpin Sergio Busquets. Jorginho’s current deal expires in the summer to the Gunners may well be open to offers in January.
Sane on Liverpool’s radar
The Saudi Pro League made some audacious bids and some headline signings in the summer and one of the biggest stories was Al Ittihad’s Saudi attempt to lure Mo Salah away from Liverpool. The Saudi club was prepared to spend £200m on the Egypt star and rumours that they are about to circle again will not go away. Darwin Nunez has found his feet this season and pretty soon he might become the main man, so could the Anfield outfit be prepared to cash in?
We’ll have to wait and see, but Liverpool have been reported to be watching former Manchester City star Leroy Sane. He’s been at Bayern Munich for the last three seasons and Sane has linked up well with Harry Kane this term, but he’s into the last 18 months of his contract and that brings him onto the radar. With 108 caps for Germany and 11 goals this season, Sane is a class act and Premier League fans already know just how good he can be.
The Reds came through their biggest test of the season so far, earning a 1-1 draw in a top of the table clash away to Manchester City, and the signing of Sane would excite the Kop faithful, and if they keep hold of Salah too they will believe they can win the title.
Where else will Saudi come calling?
In other Premier League 2023 news it seems that West Ham wide man Said Benrahma may be on his way to Saudi Arabia, with a number of the Pro League clubs said to be interested. The Algerian star’s new agent is well connected in Saudi and, at 28 year of age he is just the sort of player the league needs, still in his prime.
He’s a pacey left winger and has scored 15 goals in 95 appearances for the Hammers and Benrahma is an important squad player for boss David Moyes. But, with the inflated prices the Saudi Pro League is willing to pay the East London club might receive an offer they can’t refuse.
If a move materialises, Moyes will want to get it done early to give him time to buy one, or two, replacements.
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