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Arsenal have shown this season that they are a club in transition. After a terrible start to the Premier League season where they picked up zero points from their opening three matches, things have picked up for the Gunners.
They have begun to reap the benefits of sticking with manager Mikel Arteta and believing in his project at the club. Since losing 5-0 to Manchester City in August, Arteta's side have only lost five times in 22 games. This run of form has given them the belief that they can achieve great things with their young squad.
Arsenal have been active in recent transfer windows
The Gunners invested smartly in the summer and their investments are already paying off. They signed the likes of Ben White, Nuno Tavares, Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Odegaard, all of whom have been key for the Gunners this season.
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Now in the winter transfer window, Arteta and the club's technical director Edu have identified a number of players to improve their squad. If they manage to sign these players, the Gunners will have a very formidable team to challenge in the Premier League.
Here is how they could line up if they manage to secure all of their targets in this transfer window.
Goalkeeper- Aaron Ramsdale
Without a doubt, Aaron Ramsdale has been one of the signings of the season in the Premier League. Despite the initial skepticism that surrounded his signing from Sheffield United, he has asserted himself as one of the league's best goalkeepers.
Ramsdale will continue in goal for the Gunners for the foreseeable future due to his quality and consistency.
Right-Back- Takehiro Tomiyasu
Japanese right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu is another of Arteta's successful summer signings. The 23-year-old has been one of the league's most solid defenders since joining the Gunners from Bologna on transfer deadline day.
Tomiyasu is Arteta's go-to option at right-back for any given match. His consistency has set him apart from other right-backs currently at Arsenal.
Center-Back- Ben White
When Arsenal splashed £50 million on English defender Ben White, eyebrows were raised at the club's perceived extravagance. But the former Brighton & Hove Albion defender has silenced his critics.
White has played a key part in Arsenal's recent success by forming part of their defense that has kept nine league clean sheets since September.
Center-Back- Gabriel Magalhaes
After joining from Lille in the summer of 2020, young Gabriel Magalhaes looked decent in a team that looked shorn of confidence in 2020-21.
This season has seen the Brazilian show up more, thanks to the increased quality around him. Magalhaes has formed a solid partnership with White at the back for the Gunners.
Left-Back- Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney has been one of Arsenal's most consistent players since Arteta took over as manager of the club. The former Celtic defender has shown grit, determination and quality every time he has played for the club.
Tierney has held off competition from summer signing Nuno Tavares for the starting shirt at the Emirates this season.
Defensive Midfield- Arthur Melo
Arsenal have struggled to get a deep-lying midfielder to suit their style of play in recent times, with Granit Xhaka the only player to fit the bill. The Swiss international has a complicated relationship with the club and was very close to leaving for AS Roma in the summer.
Arsenal are said to be currently working on a loan deal for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo. The 25-year-old Brazilian is one of the few players to have had the privilege of playing alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Melo is a composed deep-lying playmaker with confidence in his ability to dictate the pace of a game.
The Brazilian midfielder has struggled for form since moving to Juventus from Barcelona. A move to the Premier League can be the catalyst that revives his career. A move for Melo will likely see Xhaka get a reduced role in the team.
Central Midfield- Thomas Partey
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is one of the few midfielders to stand out in an Arsenal shirt. The former Atletico Madrid man has managed to deliver a good number of eye-catching performances for the Gunners since joining last summer.
Partey is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) representing Ghana. He is expected to take back his starting berth on his return. Partey will be useful in helping Arsenal break opposition lines with his powerful running and impressive close control.
Partey is a must-have in midfield due to his intelligence, energy and experience of having played at the highest level.
Central Midfield- Bruno Guimaraes
Brazil's 24-year-old midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has made known his desire to play in the Premier League. The Olympique Lyonnais man would be a perfect fit for a three-man midfield at the Emirates. This is due to his rapid ball progression and movement.
Guimaraes is adept with the ball at his feet and is also a fearless tackler when out of possession. This makes him a good fit for Arteta's side. The midfielder has been courted by a number of top sides since his move to Lyon as he has constantly shown himself to be a quality player.
A deal has not been agreed for Guimaraes yet, but the Brazilian midfielder is said to be keen on a move to the Emirates.
Right Winger- Bukayo Saka
Without a doubt, Bukayo Saka has been one of the best players at Arsenal this season. The 20-year-old winger has consistently shown his quality and commitment to the club by playing in a number of roles.
Saka has played as a left-back in a back four, left-wing back in a back three, left winger and right winger, depending on the wishes of his manager. The youngster is surely in the running to be named the PFA Young Player of the Year in the Premier League for his contribution this season.
Saka has scored seven goals and contributed another four assists in 24 first-team appearances this season. The youngster will keep his place on the right side of a three-pronged attack due to his overwhelming quality and application.
Left Winger- Emile Smith Rowe
Alongside Saka, another Hale End graduate making waves in the Premier League for Arsenal is Emile Smith-Rowe. The 21-year-old Englishman was handed the club's hallowed number 10 shirt at the start of the season. He has managed to live up to expectations perfectly so far.
Smith Rowe has been one of the league's top performers, despite his tender years. The attacker has nine goals and two assists in 21 appearances this season in all competitions.
Smith Rowe earned his first England call-up as a result of his performances for the Gunners. He also scored his first international goal in his second appearance. The English youngster is maturing nicely under the tutelage of Arteta and has quickly become a key player for his boyhood club.
Striker- Dusan Vlahovic
Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic is one of the most sought-after young strikers in all of Europe. Since his decision to turn down a new contract at his club, Arsenal have emerged as front-runners to complete his signing in January. There are only 18 months left on his contract. With his refusal to sign a new deal, Fiorentina's executives have asked him to make a decision on his future immediately.
The 21-year-old Serbian fits the age of the players signed by the Gunners under Arteta and will be a good statement signing by the club.
Vlahovic is a terrific goalscorer for Fiorentina as he scored 33 goals in 43 Serie A appearances in 2021. The youngster is valued by the club at close to €70 million. Arsenal reportedly have an agreement in place with Fiorentina and the player, and a move is imminent.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has become an outcast at the club due to his disciplinary breaches. And with Alexandre Lacazette lack of goals, the club will be getting a quality striker who can score loads of goals in Vlahovic.
