Mikel Arteta will be eager to see Arsenal build some form after recording back-to-back wins.
The Gunners thrashed Sporting CP in the Champions League on Tuesday night, building on their Premier League victory against Nottingham Forest.
Prior to the two wins, Arsenal were without a victory in four, emphasising the need to sculpt a run of form.
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures of 2024 will be crucial to moving up the Premier League and Champions League table, with points there to be collected before the new year arrives.
Arsenal want to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace
Aside from building positivity on the pitch, Arteta’s attention will soon turn to the upcoming transfer window with work to be done away from the action.
First, Arsenal’s hunt to replace Edu Gaspar will continue following the Brazilian’s shock exit.
Before leaving, Edu had a list of striker targets for Arsenal to consider, with there hope that the Gunners will recruit strongly without the former player’s influence.
While an attacker is certainly a priority to add to depth, it’s a defensive player who is the latest link to the Emirates.
Arsenal are eyeing Adam Wharton according to reports, which comes as little surprise given how impressive the Englishman was during his first season at Crystal Palace.
The 20-year-old’s form has dipped alongside Palace’s so far this term, which could prompt Arteta to attempt to lure the starlet to North London this winter.
Palace are believed to want a price in the region of £54m for the England international, who already has admirers in the Arsenal squad.
Declan Rice approves of Wharton
Having represented the Three Lions, Wharton is a name well-known to the England internationals at Arsenal.
One player who has been particularly supportive of the former Blackburn Rovers starlet is Declan Rice, who sang the Palace ace’s praises after Gareth Southgate named his Euro 2024 squad.
“He’s been outstanding,” Rice said of his teammate before detailing what makes Wharton so special.
“He’s so composed and calm on the ball. He played his first half of the season in the Championship, he’s [come into the England team] from Crystal Palace now.”
“He’s got a beautiful left foot, really crisp passing. And all round, just a really down-to-earth boy who wants to learn.”
Rice went on to explain that Wharton’s temperament is one of his strong points, which could give Arteta another reason to sign the midfielder.
“He’ll be ready when called upon. I think you see the other night how composed he is and he’s ready for the big stage. I think he’s one of them that doesn’t get fazed by big things.”
The Arsenal star is certainly a big fan of Wharton, who could become his national teammate’s domestic partner if Arteta approaches the 20-year-old in January.
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