Mikel Arteta handed major £50m Arsenal defensive transfer priority ahead of January window
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been told to go after Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi in the January transfer window because he could challenge his already-established defensive unit.
The 23-year-old has long been rumoured to be of interest to the Gunners, with the star touted as a potential replacement for current centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes back in the summer when the club were concerned about a potential exit to the Saudi Pro League. However, the Brazilian international stayed at the Emirates Stadium and has helped the side make a strong start to their title challenge.
Arteta has already had to deal with numerous injuries to the defensive third of the pitch, with the likes of Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey spending time on the sidelines, with Takehiro Tomiyasu also missing gametime due to suspension. It was over the previous summer that he'd failed to truly bring in any defensive quality — with the exception of Timber but given the fact he's likely to only play 49 minutes this season, judgement will be held on him.
The strategy decided upon was clearly not a defensive solution to their title challenge, with £65million being spent on Chelsea's attacking midfielder Kai Havertz while £105million was splashed out on West Ham star Declan Rice who has been shoring up the middle of the pitch ever since his arrival. Exciting options Ivan Toney and Pedro Neto were another two names linked for a winter move to the Gunners, although the latter's recent injury could see Arteta turn his attention to the Bees striker.
However, they've now been told by Liverpool legend and former England international John Barnes to prioritise a move for Guehi, who has been holding the fort down under Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park. The
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