5 players Arsenal should try to sign before the end of January

Leon Goretzka

Another German international is on the radar for Arsenal during the January window, Leon Goretzka of Schalke. Goretzka’s contract at Schalke is set to expire in June of 2018, which means he can be signed for free during the summer. However, with that comes more competition. Arsenal need to take quick action to bring the German midfielder in during January to ensure he doesn’t go somewhere else during the summer.

This move is more of an “in case” should Arsenal not extend the contract of Mesut Ozil. Goretzka plays the same position as Ozil so it would essentially be a like-for-like switch. However, he can also play winger and even defensive midfield if needed. His physicality and height, standing at 6-foot-2, allow him to be extremely versatile for his club. With how unpredictable Granit Xhaka has been with Arsenal, Goretzka could come in and threaten his place in the lineup. That is not what he’s best at though, and Arsenal would be better off deploying him in a playmaking position. Playing a more defensive role is more of a backup option.

Arsenal will have to battle Bayern Munich and Liverpool to obtain the signature of Goretzka — that’s the biggest worry. Perhaps Ozil can pull some strings as a recruiter and help lure him to the Emirates. Regardless, should Sanchez or Ozil leave, Arsenal will need players capable of producing on offense. Goretzka can do just that and is one of the brightest young stars in the soccer world. Landing him would be huge for the Gunners.