5 players from outside the 'top six' that would improve Arsenal

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5 players from outside the 'top six' that would improve Arsenal

By Oscar Maung-Haley

With the January transfer window hurtling towards us, we take a look at five names outside of the ‘top six’ that could improve the Gunners chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

It should also be pointed out that at this time of writing, Tottenham and Manchester United sit outside of the top six.

But based on their rivalry with Arsenal, it would seem unlikely that they would do business with the Gunners this January.

Yves Bissouma

It seems incredible Yves Bissouma is still a Brighton player after a stellar campaign last season.
The Malian midfielder has been an ever-present mainstay in the Seagulls line-up since his arrival from Lille in the summer of 2018.

During his four years on English soil, the 25-year-old has impressed plenty of people with his all-action style of play and is rumoured to have plenty of suitors.

His contract is set to run out at the end of next season. The Gunners could test the waters this January or in the summer should he not want to sign a new deal with the Seagulls.

They won’t want to miss out on a large chunk of cash by letting him run his deal down, so will probably need to sell him on if he views his level above that of Brighton, despite their clear improvement this season under Graham Potter.

Ivan Toney

Arsenal fans have already seen exactly what Brentford forward Ivan Toney is capable of.

On the opening day of the Premier League campaign, Toney bullied the Gunners back four in the air, seemingly winning every aerial duel against Ben White and Pablo Mari in a 2-0 win for Brentford.

Given Brentford’s proclivity for selling their strikers on for massive profits (see Neal Maupay and Ollie Watkins), Toney could certainly be available for the right price.

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However, Maupay and Watkins were sold on when Brentford were in the Championship and Toney was the one who actually helped them finally seal promotion.

Therefore, they might be reluctant to sell their star man this January, especially as they look to try and secure their place in the Premier League for next season.

Additionally, he’s only managed three league goals so far this season so he’s been far from prolific.

But he would add another dimension to the Gunners attack and, if he finishes the season strongly, should be one to watch in the summer.

Harvey Barnes

Signing Leicester winger Harvey Barnes would be a real statement for the Gunners.

Barnes is undoubtedly one of the best players outside of the ‘top six’ and would, like Toney, add another dimension to the Gunners attack.

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In Bukayo Saka, Arsenal possess a dangerous winger. But other than Nicolas Pepe, the Gunners really don’t have anyone else capable of being a difference-maker at the highest level in this position.

Of course, Emile Smith Rowe has been operating on the left-hand side with outstanding success but should Mikel Arteta see his future operating more as a number 10, then Barnes would be a smart addition.

He won’t come cheap that’s for certain, but with Leicester currently experiencing a difficult Premier League campaign, they could look to cash in.

Ezri Konsa

Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa should be a target for Arsenal given their lack of real depth behind starting centre-back pairing of White and Gabriel.

In Konsa, they would be getting a defender who has consistently produced for Aston Villa during his time there and has progressed season after season.

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He’s been a mainstay in the Villa starting line-up since joining from Brentford in the summer of 2019 and has also been on the fringes of an England call-up.

And while it's true that he did sign a new five-year deal in April of this year, Arsenal should at least take a look if they want to sign a defender with high upside and potential that could help them continue to push on.

James Ward-Prowse

Southampton’s skipper James Ward-Prowse would be another smart addition for the Gunners if they explored signing him.
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He’s been a regular fixture in Gareth Southgate’s England squads and has also been a proven Premier League performer for the Saints.

With Arsenal’s lack of depth in the centre of midfield, Ward-Prowse would certainly be an improvement in that department.

At 27 years old, he isn’t getting any younger and he did sign a new five-year deal at St Mary's over the summer. 

But given Southampton’s model of selling their best players, he might be available for the right price, either in January or the summer.

PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

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