Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Adrien Rabiot and Gunners' January Targets
Speculation regarding the January transfer window is already ramping up, and Arsenal are expected to be among the most active teams when the new window finally opens.
The Gunners have struggled early in the 2014-15 season, with injuries being the main culprit for their lack of form. Arsene Wenger is once again on the hot seat, as he is viewed as one of the men responsible for the squad's lack of depth, particularly in the defensive areas.
Arsenal are reportedly already looking at a number of targets for the January window, so here's the latest transfer buzz surrounding the Gunners.
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Adrien Rabiot
Manchester United are reportedly ready to rival Arsenal for the signature of highly touted French youngster Adrien Rabiot, who appears set to leave Paris Saint-Germain in January.
According to Tuttosport (h/t to the Daily Star's Nick Lustig), the 19-year-old intends to run out his contract and leave on a free transfer in the summer, but the French champions would rather move him in January and see some sort of return on their investment.
Rabiot is one of France's most talented midfielders but has proven to be a handful to deal with for PSG, as his entourage continues to get involved with the club's decision. As shared by Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson, his mother is widely considered to be the main reason a split between the player and his current club is inevitable:
The midfielder is talented but raw, and his demand for regular playing time in high-level matches won't lessen in another league. Arsenal already field numerous talented players in similar areas, and Wenger might be unable to give Rabiot exactly what he wants.
His talent is undeniable, however, and there's little doubt he could be an excellent player for the Gunners at some point in the future. How he would fit into the team's immediate plans remains a question mark, and another club like AS Roma still appears to be a more likely destination.
Chris Smalling
The Gunners have turned their attention to Manchester United's Chris Smalling in an attempt to address their defensive depth, according to Goal.com's Paul Clennam.
Louis van Gaal is reportedly willing to listen to offers for some of his fringe players who could leave the club at a reduced price. Smalling wouldn't move to the Emirates to be a regular starter, but his versatility makes him an intriguing backup option.
His ability to play as a centre-back or right-back and reported low wages (£52,000 per week, according to Clennam) make him an intriguing fit, although one has to wonder how the Gunners faithful would react to Wenger moving for one of United's leftovers.
Smalling may not be an ideal addition or the kind of signing that will inspire the fanbase, but for a group of defenders ravaged by injuries, the England international could present solid value in the January window.
Vitorino Antunes
Another defensive reinforcement the Gunners are reportedly looking at is Vitorino Antunes, according to the Daily Express' Jamie Anderson.
Per Anderson, the 28-year-old full-back should only command a £2.5 million transfer fee, and the relatively unknown Portugal international has impressed as a regular for Spanish side Malaga this season.
Antunes is a modern, attacking full-back most comfortable on the left wing, where he hardly sees playing time with the national team due to the presence of Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao.
He was never able to convince during his time with AS Roma, and fans shouldn't expect the Portuguese defender to become a regular at the Emirates, either. As a cheap depth option, Antunes makes sense in January, although other players with a higher ceiling should also be available.
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