"They’re not in the manager’s plans" - Former Premier League scout names three stars Arsenal are 'looking to sell' ahead of January transfer window
Former Premier League scout Mick Brown has claimed that Arsenal are planning to offload three players ahead of the January transfer window. He insists that Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney are no longer in the manager's plans.
Jesus and Zinchenko were once mainstays in Mikel Arteta's starting XI, with the former Manchester City duo signed with a long-term view. Jesus' career at the Emirates has largely been riddled with injuries. The Brazilian fell down the pecking order after Kai Havertz arrived from Chelsea last year.
Meanwhile, Zinchenko failed to provide stability at left-back, and the position caused issues for the Gunners last season. Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu were rotated along with the Ukranian for the role.
Tierney, whom Zinchenko was meant to replace in Arteta's lineup, has been heavily linked with an exit already. The Scottish defender spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad and his contract expires in 2026.
Speaking about the Arsenal trio's future, Mick Brown, who was a scout for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, said (via CaughtOffside):
“There are three players at the club they’d be looking to sell. And that’s Gabriel Jesus, Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney. They’re not in the manager’s plans. When it comes to sales, you have to look at who your assets are.”
He added:
“That’ll take a big chunk off of the wage bill and help them to reinvest in strengthening their squad. Sometimes the way it works is you’ve got to let some fringe players leave, raise a bit of money from them, and then refresh the squad with new backup options.”
The Gunners will face Nottingham Forest at the Emirates this Saturday (November 23).
"That would be crazy" - Former Arsenal star hopes 26-year-old striker he once mentored joins the Gunners
Former Arsenal star Anders Limpar is delighted at the prospect of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres potentially joining the Gunners.
Gyokeres swiftly established himself as one of Europe's hottest prospects after his incredible debut campaign at Sporting CP last term. The Swedish forward scored a whopping 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 games for the Portuguese outfit.
He has attracted interest from a host of outfits, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. With Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said to be in the market for a striker, Limpar has commented on a potential move for Gyokeres to the Emirates.
The retired midfielder, who once mentored Gyokeres at Brommapojkarna, said (via Metro):
"I know Gyokeres very well personally, I was a bit of a mentor for him when he played for Brommapojkarna. So, I've talked a lot about professional life with him... If we at Arsenal (were to) buy Gyokeres, then he will definitely call me. But then to see Gyokeres at Arsenal, that would be crazy."