Arsenal transfer round-up as Gunners eye ‘new Henry’ and plans suffer setback

It’s been a tough season for Arsenal so far – and Mikel Arteta may well be in the hunt for fresh faces when the transfer window opens in January.

The Gunners manager is trying to stamp his authority at the Emirates but things aren’t going to plan so far, with Wednesday night’s draw with Southampton leaving them 15th in the league.

And while the club’s chief Edu insists the Emirates hierarchy remain fully supportive of the manager, it’s clear that the squad needs freshening up.

Whether Arteta is backed with funds to spend next month remains to be seen, while Mesut Ozil’s future is still uncertain despite potential suitors refusing to step up their interest.

Here’s the latest transfer news from the Emirates as speculation continues to circulate…

Gunners eye ‘new Thierry Henry’

It’s perhaps no surprise that any player compared to Thierry Henry will, ultimately, be linked to a move to the red half of north London.

And Italian outlet Calcio Mercato has claimed that Abdallah Sima – currently starring for Slavia Prague – is a wanted man.

The 19-year-old striker has 13 goals in 18 appearances this season and has been labelled the ‘new Henry’ due to his frightening pace and eye for goal.

It is claimed that the Gunners have been keeping tabs on his development, but face competition from Juventus.

Swanson recalled from miserable loan spell

Arsenal have recalled Zak Swanson from his disappointing season-long loan at Dutch club MVV Maastricht.

The 20-year-old right-back struggled for regular game time and the Gunners have reportedly acted swiftly to bring the temporary spell to an end.

According to Football Insider, Swanson is already back at the Gunners after making just three appearances for MVV Maastricht.

Arsenal are hoping that the youngster’s injury woes are behind him and there are plans to send him out on loan again in January.

Szoboszlai blow as RB Leipzig seal signing

Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Dominik Szoboszlai and had been touted with a move next month.

But their reluctance has allowed RB Leipzig to step in, with the German signed announcing his signing from RB Salzburg on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

The 20-year-old, a Hungary international, will link up with the German side in January.

Szoboszlai has caught the eye this season, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists in 20 appearances in all competitions.

Back to the drawing board for Arsenal…