Arsenal’s transfer planning is starting to ramp up heading towards the January transfer window, with Manchester City ace Rodri the latest to approve one star linked with a switch.
It comes as the Gunners have work to do in the Premier League, with nine points currently separating them from league leaders Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta has shown that his side is up for the challenge though, with some recent resounding victories signalling their intent.
Arsenal may have a chance to land the big prizes still, but the January transfer window may be make or break for those hopes.
While plenty of centre-forwards have been linked with a possible switch, it may be another position that the Gunners strengthen in.
Rodri praises Arsenal transfer target Lamine Yamal
Arsenal have been linked with a transfer for Lamine Yamal, with the youngster having impressed plenty over the last year or so.
At just 16 years old, he became a regular in the Barcelona team before breaking into the senior Spain national team squad.
With his impressive performances during Euro 2024, one of the world’s next potential superstars is now making his name known.
It’s no wonder then, that Arsenal have been scouting Yamal, with hopes of potentially landing a deal for the 17-year-old.
It’s a move that would certainly be approved by Man City star Rodri, who recently discussed the youngster.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the midfielder said: “Unbelievable, he’s [Yamal] unbelievable.
“He started the Euros at 16, at 16 I was in the academy… that age he was playing the final of a Euros and scoring in the semi-finals that goal.
“That is like ‘I’m going to put my country on my shoulders’ it’s not like a simple goal… He’s going in the right way because he’s very young but yeah he has talent for everything.”
It’s plenty of praise, from a Ballon d’Or winner no less, but one that proves Arteta’s scouting mission is worthwhile.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal have a chance to bring Yamal to the Emirates Stadium, but it’s clearly worth trying for a talent of his magnitude.
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Lamine Yamal stats this season show why Arsenal must seal transfer
Yamal is already lighting up La Liga at a young age so it seems unlikely that Barcelona would look to sell him.
However, with just over a year remaining on his contract and the increasingly difficult financial situation at the club, there are no guarantees.
At Arsenal, Yamal could play on the left or right, offering cover in both positions – though he would likely compete with Bukayo Saka on the right as his favoured position.
Given the sheer amount of game time, there would be plenty of opportunities to rotate if Arteta keep faith in his strength in depth.
Looking simply at the stats, Yamal stands out for Barcelona yet again this season with some impressive numbers.
| Appearances | 12 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 7 |
With 12 goals involvements in 12 league appearances, it’s clear that the youngster could only get better and better.
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