Arsenal fell from the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, inflicting even more misery on Mikel Artet and his besieged team.
With eight defeats in 14 Premier League games, the domestic cup competition provided a bit of a welcome, but it all ended with Man City beating them 4-1 at the Emirates.
The Gunners face boxing rivals Chelsea on boxing day, while Arteta is selected in the bottom half of the table.
Emirate chiefs are willing to stick with the Spaniard, and technical director Edu publicly supported the manager under fire earlier this month.
(Image: REUTERS)
However, he will probably need reinforcements in the transition period to strengthen in the second half of the campaign.
Mesut Ozil could find himself involved in the senior team in the new year, expelled from the Premier League and Europa League teams.
Arsenal is crying out for creativity, and is expected to focus on attacking signatures in January.
Here’s Arsenal’s latest gossip, with just over a week until the window reopens.
A loan from Vinicius the Younger
(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal are considering a move by outspoken Real Vinicius Jr., according to reports.
Star Sport claimed that although Arteta wants to improve their defense, their horrible form in front of goal could force another player to enter the area.
The Gunners tried to sign Vinicius while Unai Emery was in charge and maintained a good relationship with his agent.
Yet only 20, the Brazilian striker can play anywhere across the front line and has three goals and three assists for Real this season.
There were rumors of a move for teammate Vinicius Jr. Isco as well, but he cared about the move in the Champions League and Juventus led the race.
Confirmed conversations Mustafi
Shkodra agent Mustafi Emre Öztürk has confirmed that the Arsenal defender is in negotiations due to the proposed transfer to Barcelona.
The German is a much more malicious figure in the Emirates and was part of the defense that shipped four to Man City on Tuesday night.
However, that does not seem to have deterred the five-time European champion, who could sign Mustafi in the upcoming window.
(Image: SIPA USA / PA Images)
Ozturk was recently filmed at Camp Nou, and many believed it was linked to 17-year-old client Yusuf Demir.
But he clarified the situation, telling SPOX reporter Fabian Zerche: “I’m not in Barcelona because of Yusuf Demir.
“But because of Mustafi from Arsenal, whom we also represent.”
Arsenal are ‘watching’ Eriksen
Christian Eriksen is again linked to a potential move to Arsenal in the upcoming window.
The former Tottenham midfielder has a surplus of claims at San Siro, less than 12 months after replacing the Premier League with Serie A.
The Danish international is desperately looking for regular minutes ahead of next summer’s European Championships.
The Gazzette dello Sport (via Sport Witness) suggests that Arsenal are watching him, and the Emirates is listed as his “only possible landing site”.
The Italian giant has proposed a replacement deal that includes Granit Xhaku and Dani Ceballos, although the latter would include negotiations with his home club Real Madrid.
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