Arsenal will play Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday (December 23). After 17 games, Mikel Arteta’s side leads the championship race by one point over the Reds (38).
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in signing Everton midfielder Amadou Onana. In other news, the north London assistant is keeping a close watch on AC Milan’s Charles de Ketelaere.
On that topic, here are the most important Arsenal transfer stories as of December 20, 2023:
Arsenal is interested in Amadou Onana
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal are interested in signing Amadou Onana. The Belgian defensive midfielder has been a standout for Everton this season, featuring in 16 games and starting 15.
The 22-year-old has two goals and an assist and is an essential element of Sean Dyche’s squad. The Emirates have taken notice of Onana’s initiatives.
The Gunners are looking for midfield reinforcements in January and have identified several candidates. Joao Palhinha of Fulham is also on the list, although Onana has emerged as a younger option.
The north London club believe Arteta can mold the Belgian to match his methods. However, the Toffees paid £33 million to recruit the midfielder from Lille in 2022, suggesting that Arsenal would have to pay a hefty amount if they want him in January.
Charles de Ketelaere is being pursued by Gunners
According to Todo Fichajes, Arsenal is keeping a close watch on Charles de Ketelaere.
As they move in on the European bigwigs, the Gunners are hoping to add more innovation to their ranks. Arteta has lately targeted promising young players, like De Ketelaere.
Since joining Atalanta on loan from AC Milan this summer, the Belgian midfielder has transformed his career. De Ketelaere has four goals and four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions. His achievements have sparked interest in the 22-year-old from both the Emirates and Manchester United.
De Ketelaere is under contract with the Rossoneri until 2027 and will likely decide on his future at the conclusion of the season.
Granit Xhaka discusses Mikel Arteta's role throughout his time at the Emirates
Granit Xhaka has stated that when he first met Mikel Arteta, he was on the verge of quitting Arsenal.
During his tenure at the Emirates, the Swiss midfielder had a love-hate relationship with Gunners supporters. Xhaka played for the club for seven seasons, making almost 300 matches and wearing the armband for a time.
However, during the outset of Arteta’s tenure, he was on the verge of leaving the club. Xhaka acknowledged to The Athletic that the Spanish manager persuaded him to remain.
“Despite the fact that I was captain, the club showed me little respect.” Except for Mikel Arteta, it was evident they wanted to get rid of me as soon as possible.
“When I first met him, my bags were already packed, and I was about to board a plane.” I had already left the club with my heart and soul. ‘The answer is for me to go,’ I told him. “Mikel told me he wanted me to stay,” Xhaka said.
He continued:
“I couldn’t see myself ever playing for Arsenal again.” ‘I simply want to go someplace where the supporters don’t boo me,’ I told him. But he was really persuasive.
“For the first time in my life, I made a decision without first consulting my family.” ‘OK, I’ll stay,’ I replied as I stood up. We hugged, and I went back to training the next day as if nothing had occurred.”
Xhaka helped Arsenal to second place in the league last season before departing for Bayer Leverkusen this summer.