Arsenal consider Salzburg, Celtic stars as two January priorities revealed

Arsenal have identified two priorities for when the transfer window opens again in January – and three names top their shortlist, according to a report.

It was a relatively busy summer for Arsenal, who managed to land their top target Thomas Partey on deadline day after months of negotiations.

However, they did not complete all the business they wanted to. According to Football.London, there are still two areas they want to strengthen.

While strengthening the midfield was Mikel Arteta’s priority this summer, he will focus on his attack in January. The report claims he wants a backup centre-forward and another versatile attacker.

Arsenal managed to keep hold of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and star striker Alexandre Lacazette over the summer, despite both being linked with a move away. But now, Arteta is eyeing more competition for his frontline.

One major target, according to Football.London, is Dominik Szoboszlai. Arsenal have been tracking the RB Salzburg forward – who can play on the left wing or in central midfield – for more than a year.

The 19-year-old scored 12 goals in 40 appearances for Salzburg last season, a campaign in which his club won the Austrian league and cup double.

Szoboszlai already has 10 caps for Hungary after making his international debut in 2019, and Arsenal are keen to give him the next step in his quickly progressing career.

 

And Szoboszlai is not the only Salzburg star that Arsenal are monitoring. They have also become aware of Patson Daka, the striker who has scored 43 goals in 89 games for them.

Daka has started the new season in fine form, with nine goals from his first six games of 2020-21. And having already been linked with Tottenham over the summer, the Zambian forward remains on the radar of several top clubs.

Arsenal have now identified him as someone who could provide tougher competition for their attackers. They already have Eddie Nketiah keeping Lacazette and Aubameyang on their toes, but with Gabriel Martinelli injured until the New Year, could consider another option in January.

Celtic star also a target

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Football.London also claim that Arsenal are interested in Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard, who would be open to leaving the Scottish champions.

Edouard was the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership last season with 22 goals from 27 league games. His form has led to speculation he could move to the English Premier League.

Arsenal were reportedly readying a bid back in September, but nothing materialised before the transfer deadline. However, he remains a target for them.

The Gunners have done business with Celtic before, having signed Kieran Tierney from them last summer. Negotiations would not be simple, but Arsenal could go back in for the Frenchman.

However, the report adds that Arsenal will have to sell some players before they can think about making new signings. Therefore, they may have to delay their bid until summer 2021.

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