Despite sitting six points clear at the Premier League summit, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has signalled his intent to potentially strengthen his squad during the January transfer window. The Gunners cemented their lead with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Bournemouth, a result that was followed by Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Arteta's Openness to January Business
Even with key players like Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Kai Havertz returning to fitness, the Spanish coach has made it clear that the club will be vigilant for opportunities to improve. In December, Arteta stated: "We're going to be really aware of the situation and the timescale of certain players. We have to be actively looking, and then can we do it or not? That's a different story, but our job is to be always very prepared because something can happen."
Declan Rice Hailed as World-Class Talent
The win at the Vitality Stadium was inspired by a match-winning brace from Declan Rice, marking a triumphant return from injury for the England international. His influential performances have not gone unnoticed, with reports linking him to European giants like Real Madrid. When asked if Rice belongs in conversations about the world's best players in his position, Arteta was unequivocal.
"For me, yes," Arteta affirmed. "For me, the ones that we have are the best. Declan is constantly adding things to his game. He’s constantly adding things to his role in the team. I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas, and he wants to improve. He’s such a pivotal player for us."
Alan Shearer's Verdict on Rodrygo
With Arteta's admission that Arsenal are in the market, speculation has reignited around a potential move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo. The Brazilian winger, who has managed just six La Liga starts and two goals this season under Xabi Alonso, was linked with a move away from Spain last summer.
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has now weighed in, strongly backing the 24-year-old to succeed in English football. "I think that Rodrygo would do very well in the Premier League - he's an excellent player," Shearer said via Betfair. "I heard one or two things that maybe last year, one or two English clubs were chasing him."
Shearer added: "If that is the case, that he’s not happy at Real Madrid, then there won't be a shortage of offers for him to come and play in the Premier League. I think that there would be two or three clubs who would try and get him." This endorsement will fuel rumours that Arsenal could be among the suitors for the talented attacker as they seek to bolster their title-chasing squad.
