Arsenal will have to sell their ‘underrated’ player to make ‘big’ January signing

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal will reportedly be forced to cash in on Eddie Nketiah or Emile Smith Rowe if they wish to make a ‘big’ January signing.

There has been plenty of talk about the possibility of Arsenal targeting a new striker this month.

Mikel Arteta’s men have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net recently, leading to three defeats in their last four games.

It’s also led to the Gunners slipping down to fourth in the Premier League table and crashing out of the FA Cup in the third round.

But Arsenal remain just five points behind league leaders Liverpool and have already booked their place in the last-16 of the Champions League.

A big signing this month could be what Arteta needs to get their season back on track, with the likes of Ivan Toney and Douglas Luiz both heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Yet, according to The Mirror, Arsenal will have to offload one of Eddie Nketiah or Emile Smith Rowe to do any significant business this month.

Arsenal will have to sell Nketiah to make ‘big’ January signing

The Mirror claims that Arsenal are looking at possible loan deals to bolster their backline.

But they have ‘no room for manoeuvre’ when it comes to spending big this month unless they make a sizeable sale.

That’s down to the fact that Arsenal have spent their allowance on transfers and simply cannot risk breaching Financial Fair Play rules.

Indeed, the outlet notes they would have to offload Smith Rowe or Nketiah by June 30.

Smith Rowe has struggled for minutes this season after also playing a lesser role last term. 

It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 23-year-old seek out a fresh challenge. But whether or not that could happen this month remains to be seen.

As for Nketiah, he continues to be an important part of Arteta’s squad and has stepped in well when required.

The 24-year-old has been labelled an ‘underrated’ striker and has outscored Gabriel Jesus in the Premier League this term. But it’s clear that Arsenal are in desperate need of extra quality up front and if one of the pair should leave, it’s more than likely it will be Nketiah. 

Yet, it would be a surprise to see a club come in with an offer that would meet Arsenal’s demands this month. 

Even if Arsenal did get around £30 million for the forward, it’s unclear whether or not that would be enough to help them secure a marquee signing like Ivan Toney.