Unai Emery on transfers: The Arsenal manager provided an update on the side’s plans for January transfer window.
Arsenal suffered a shock 3-2 loss against the relegation-threatened Southampton in the Premier League last night. With the loss, Arsenal are now three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
The defeat also ended the Gunners’ 22-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored twice for Arsenal to bring them level in the game, but Charlie Austin delivered the final blow on Unai Emery’s side in the 85th minute of the game to secure Southampton’s first victory at home.
Arsenal’s head coach interacted with the media in the post-match conference, where he also pressed on the club’s plans for the January transfer window.
Unai Emery on transfers:
Emery stated that the club will be keeping tabs on the January transfer market, and will move for the player if he suits the side.
Arsenal signed five first-team players in the summer window, and the signings have so far been impressive on the field.
Arsenal currently lead the race for Nicolas Pépé, but face no shortage of competition. This morning’s L’Equipe report than Lille will negotiate a winter deal if bidding starts at €50m, but their owner’s first preference is to not sell mid-season. [@mattspiro] #AFC pic.twitter.com/B5UyADD1iN
— Cannon Insider (@CannonInsider) December 17, 2018
“Only if we think the players can’t help us with a good performance,” Unai Emery said when asked about the importance of January transfer window.
“January is not a good transfer window for this reason, but we are going to look and the club is working for transfers in January, but also we are in a [good] way.”
Arsenal leading chase for Nicolas Pepe but lots of competition emerging. L’Equipe this morning suggest Lille will negotiate in January if a club opens bidding at €50m. But owner has previously stated he won’t sell mid season
— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) December 17, 2018
The head coach also stated that the he is keen on providing chances to the youngsters at the club.
“We are making progress with young players and giving them chances, and when we need to give them more chances to play and show their progress we are going to do that.”
Arsenal keen on signing Cristian Pavon in the January transfer window next month, and are serious this time. Boca Juniors asking price is €40m. [@LuisFregossi] pic.twitter.com/J28DZx2klO
— LTArsenal™️ (@ltarsenal) December 17, 2018
Arsenal have been linked with a number of players for the January window, which include Denis Suarez from Barcelona, Cristian Pavon from Boca Juniors, and Florian Grillitsch from 1899 Hoffenheim.
Message to Arsenal fans:
Look at where Liverpool were in 15/16 – They finished 8th. Now after 4 years of building, Klopp has made them possibly the best team in the league. Give Emery time and more transfer windows. He's already doing a fantastic job. Trust in Emery. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/F8wq6xkw4k
— LTArsenal™️ (@ltarsenal) December 16, 2018
Denis Suarez recently spoke on his future at Barcelona, stating that he might consider a transfer if he’s not given enough opportunities. According to Independent, the player has been told to consider options in the January transfer window by the club.
