Arsenal have been active in the January transfer window, but only regarding outgoings.
Ethan Nwaneri just joined Marseille on loan, leaving Arsenal for the remainder of the season to work with Roberto De Zerbi.
As well as Nwaneri, Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to leave Arsenal permanently to sign for Ajax, bringing his three and a half year association with the Gunners to an end.
Aside from the two exits, Mikel Arteta’s squad isn’t expected to change any further, but that doesn’t mean that transfer opportunities haven’t presented themselves to Andrea Berta.
Virgil van Dijk is a fan of Arsenal target Quinten Timber
Arsenal had a long-term interest in Quinten Timber, the twin brother of Jurrien Timber.
This winter, there was a chance to sign Timber, as he fell out with Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie in the final year of his contract.
As Arteta’s midfield options are thinner than in other areas of the squad, Timber would’ve been an understandable signing for Arsenal this month, but the ship has sailed, as the Dutchman will sign for Marseille.
Agree or disagree, Quinten Timber is exactly the player Arsenal need right now.
After Liverpool’s win over Marseille, captain Virgil van Dijk shared an insight into Timber’s ability.
“In my eyes, a very good player,” Van Dijk told beIN Sports France.
“Very strong, I think he’s going to do very well here [Marseille]. Good stuff for him, and he has to keep going, keep working, but in my eyes, a very good player but also a very good human being, so obviously that’s very important.”
Van Dijk’s assessment only emphasises the transfer opportunity Arsenal missed out on, with time being the only indicator of whether the Gunners will regret not pouncing to sign the 24-year-old.
Roberto De Zerbi says Quinten Timber and Ethan Nwaneri are quality
It’s bad news for Arsenal, but good news for Nwaneri, who will be joined at Marseille by a top midfielder on the rise.
How many goals and assists do you think Ethan Nwaneri will end the season with under Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille?
Drop your predictions below👀
Speaking to the media after Marseille’s defeat to Liverpool, manager De Zerbi was asked about his two new signings.
“The new signings are two quality players,” he said, “they have talent and great potential.”
De Zerbi has bolstered his squad with the two new signings, two players who could’ve been Arsenal teammates.
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