The transactions made during the January transfer window could determine how Arsenal performs in the 2022–23 season. The beginning of 2023 appears to be going to be a busy time for the Gunners because work has been going on behind the scenes for a while.
After 12 victories in their first 14 matches, Mikel Arteta’s team leads the Premier League. Their pursuit of their first league championship since 2004 has been put on pause due to the World Cup break, but they will resume their pursuit when they take on West Ham on Boxing Day.
The recruitment team’s attention will be turned to the market next week when the transfer window reopens. According to ugandanz.com, Edu’s top priority for improving Arteta’s roster choices include bringing in a new midfielder and a wide attacker. However, it is widely agreed that, in light of Gabriel Jesus’ injury, a new striker will be at the top of their list.
Before the second half of the season, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Eddie Nketiah are the only viable alternatives in attack. Numerous players have been linked to moves to north London since news of Jesus’ injury broke, including Joao Felix, Dusan Vlahovic, Cody Gakpo, and Mykhaylo Mudryk.
But the Gunners do have one attacker who has previously proven his value to Arteta and who could be crucial to their title chances. Emile Smith Rowe missed the previous four months due to surgery to repair a torn groin tendon.
The 22-year-old just returned to training in Dubai, but his return was delayed, and he will probably miss the match against the Hammers. Nevertheless, Arteta stated that the adaptable forward is “near,” indicating that the Spaniard would receive a much-appreciated Christmas present of his own.
On Thursday, he declared: “Emile is nearby. Despite a setback, he is still there and in a good position. We’ve accomplished a lot with Emile. He has occasionally been nearby, and other times, he has traveled to different locations to observe various environments. His attitude has been excellent, and it is normal for any job or advancement to experience times when you are injured permanently and must miss time from work.
“He needs to react to that but for sure he has got all of our support and he is a huge talent that we need for the second part of the season at his best because his contribution will be key to the team.”
Along with Saka, Smith Rowe was one of Arsenal’s standout players from the previous season. A threat to many Premier League defenders after his debut season, the Hale Ender scored 10 league goals in 33 outings.
The Gunners must fill the empty No. 9 position now that Jesus is temporarily absent. If Nketiah is used to replace Jesus, Arteta might try to use Smith Rowe as a fierce rival for Saka and Martinelli in the wide spots.