- AP Photo/Kin Cheung
England – Despite not reaching the top spot in 2023 yet, Arsenal remain in a strong position at the top of the Premier League table. Barring a disastrous collapse, they'll also be competing in the Champions League knockouts in the new year, too.
Following another big summer outlay, this is a huge season for Mikel Arteta and his project. After such a promising 2022/23 campaign, supporters will be expecting the Gunners to go up a gear this term. They’re going to have to compete on multiple fronts.
Selebrasi pemain Arsenal usai bobol gawang Tottenham Hotspur
- Instagram: Arsenal
Last January, the additions of Leandro Trossard and, to a lesser extent, Jorginho allowed Arsenal to sustain their title charge up until the last, and you get the feeling the club will need to bring in one or two fresh faces in the winter to ensure Arteta’s goals are reached during the second half of 2023/24.
Financial Fair Play concerns, though, mean that the club won’t be able to buy until they sell first.
So, here's three players Arsenal could sell in January to raise funds, as reported from Pain in the Arsenal site.
1. Aaron Ramsdale
Kiper Arsenal, Aaron Ramsdale
- Instagram/@aaronramsdale
It seemed that Ramsdale would be a key part of Arteta's project, but the purchase of David Raya in the summer has drastically changed the England international's outlook in north London.
As Arteta preferred Raya's profile, Ramsdale has rarely played since the Spaniard became the Gunners' number one.
Raya has started every Premier League and Champions League game since September 17 with Ramsdale making just two appearances in the Carabao Cup.
Although the manager has praised the goalkeeper since his arrival, it seems unlikely that he will regain his number one status anytime soon.
Therefore, for the sake of his career in England, he may have to consider his future at the club.
Arsenal don't want to part with Ramsdale in the middle of a crucial season, but if a suitor comes in with a big offer (around £50 million), the Gunners might be tempted.
Pemain Arsenal, Emile Smith Rowe.
- Twitter/@premierleague
Just when it looked like Smith Rowe was starting to gain momentum, the midfielder picked up another injury that saw him miss Arsenal's last four games before the November international break.
With Granit Xhaka leaving the club and Kai Havertz struggling to fill the void, Smith Rowe has a chance to get back into Arteta's starting XI.
However, the coach doubted the playmaker's ability to hold his own in a 4-4-2 formation after struggling in pre-season.
The coach did not give up on Smith Rowe in the summer after a difficult 2022/23 season, but with injuries preventing him from making a sustained impact, he could be considered an expendable asset once the winter window rolls around.
Gelandang Arsenal, Thomas Partey saat melawan Rapid Wien
- instagram.com/arsenal
Arsenal's decision not to sell Partey in the summer seems costly, although it is understandable why the Gunners chose to keep hold of the Ghanaian, who is reportedly being pursued by Saudi Arabian Pro League clubs.
Despite being the best player when fit and active, Partey's fitness issues once again plagued him at the end of the 2022/23 season and he will be out until the new year after undergoing thigh surgery.
He is unreliable, and his woes are said to have convinced the club to pursue another midfielder in the January transfer window.
Although European suitors will probably wait until the summer to make a move given his current thigh problem, I believe the Saudi Arabian club will return if Arsenal sell him.
