Affordable price emerges as Edu treads familiar path for two new Arsenal signings

Arsenal are reported to be considering a January swoop to sign Luka Jovic amid claims Real Madrid are willing to let him – and a Los Blancos teammate – leave for a tempting fee.

The Gunners are enjoying something of a resurgence this season under Mikel Arteta and are dreaming of a return to the Champions League. Having nailed down a settled side, the Gunners have won their last five games in all competitions, scoring 19 goals in the process.

However, in order to solidify their place in the top four, Arteta and technical director Edu know the side will need reinforcements in January.

Indeed, finding a new striker is among their top priorities. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s situation grabbing headlines, it’s easy to forget that Eddie Nketiah looks also likely to move on.

In addition, upcoming U23s hitman Folarin Balogun has also been promised a loan exit away from Emirates Stadium.

Therefore, the Gunners could find attacking options in short supply unless they act bring in at least one new addition in January.

Now, according to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Edu appears ready to land at least one new striker from Real Madrid.

Indeed, they state that Real are willing to discuss the sale of both Jovic and his teammate Mariano Diaz.

Struggles for Luka Jovic at Real Madrid 

The former joined Los Blancos in 2019 from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £50m deal. However, goals have been hard to come by with just three strikes in 45 appearances for Real.

They are now willing to facilitate his sale and are reported to have told Arsenal he can sign on an initial loan with an obligation to buy. Indeed, Don Balon reports they are quoting £33m (€40m) for a permanent move.

Newcastle want Arsenal striker Aubameyang in January

Newcastle want Aubameyang in January as they look to survive the drop

As per L’Equipe, it would take slightly less if they were to pursue Diaz. The Dominican striker emerged through the ranks at the Bernabeu before leaving for Lyon. There, he struck 21 times in 48 appearances with Real triggering the buy-back clause in his deal.

However, he would cost slightly less with Real understood to be willing to sell for nearer the £22m mark.

As such, the Spanish side would not stand in either Luka Jovic or Diaz’s way were the Gunners to make a firm approach for the pair.

And a raid on Real would see Arsenal treading a familiar transfer path once again. The likes of Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard have both made the move from the Bernabeu to Emirates Stadium in recent times.

Ramsdale named ‘Signing of the Season’

One of Arsenal’s more recent transfer successes has been goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Bought for £30m from Sheffield United, Ramsdale has had a major impact on the Gunners and during their rise up the league.

Such has been his impact that Jamie Carragher named him his signing of the season during Monday Night Football.

Explaining his choice, Carragher stated: “I went for Ramsdale because it was almost the biggest surprise to me when they brought him in.

“I thought they would bring him in as back-up, and almost bring him in as an English player because of the quota.

“He hadn’t impressed me, certainly in his Premier League time at Sheffield United and Bournemouth. It’s not just the saves he’s making. He’s a personality and a character.

“Already to go into a dressing room at Arsenal, yes there are young players in there, but it’s still a huge club.

“Going into Arsenal as a young lad, a goalkeeper. I think he’s got a presence about him that I didn’t see that he had and I think he’s had a big impact on the team.”

READ MORE: Newcastle make Arsenal think with four-way striker scrap to dominate January