Three loan moves Arsenal should make in the January window
Arsenal manager Unai Emery made a shocking statement during his press briefing (h/t the BBC), where the former Sevilla boss indicated that Arsenal can only loan players. While this is a startling statement given their income, it’s a major problem for Arsenal, given the fact that they need to reinforce their team.
However, there are a few players around the world who are good enough to be loaned in that could actually make an impact for Arsenal in time to help them achieve Champions League qualification. Moreover, given their injury, defensive and depth issues and the fact that the Gunners have Europa League games, they need players capable of helping them.
Oliver Torres
A talented midfielder, Torres was considered as one of the best youngsters in his position and after three seasons on loan with the Portuguese giants, few Atletico Madrid fans even remember their former youth product now.
However, despite all his struggles, Oliver Torres remains a class act and potentially, a perfect replacement for Aaron Ramsey.
A lively midfielder, the 24-year-old won’t score as many goals as the Welshman, having failed to find the net in his last two seasons, but his sheer presence on the field would be useful. A sensational passer of the ball, technically gifted and his composure on the field have been witnessed from a very young age.
For Arsenal, a loan move with an option to buy makes perfect sense, as it allows both sides to see what they are getting. Torres might flourish under Unai Emery.
Fernando Calero
Calero has only made 50 appearances for Real Valladolid but 19 of those have come this season, with former Espanyol manager Sergio keen on developing the youngster. For Arsenal, this rise in performance comes at the perfect time, especially given Premier League side’s defensive issues of late.
A comparatively speedy centre-back, Calero would be the perfect partner for Arsenal’s Greek star Sokratis. The 23-year-old has been a rock for a surprisingly resolute Real Valladolid side this season, and his composure on the ball further adds to his value.
His 87% passing accuracy combined with his average of 1.4 tackles, 1.1 blocks and 5.2 clearances per game (via Whoscored), shows just how good he is.
For Arsenal, not only does he represent a cheaper option, but bringing him in on a loan deal first before making it permanent is the ideal solution.
Yevhen Konoplyanka
A little over five years ago Liverpool, Arsenal and even Manchester United (h/t the Guardian) were all linked with a move for Konoplyanka, with the then Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk star impressing the world.
However, with no move materialising, the Ukraine star made his move to Sevilla. This saw the winger take things to another level under then Sevilla manager Unai Emery before things petered out.
Konoplyanka made 52 appearances in his first season, scoring 8 goals and producing 9 assists, which was a massive drop considering his last two seasons with Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk saw him finish with 21 goals and 16 assists. Now at Schalke, the 29-year-old is struggling once again.
Yevhen Konoplyanka hasn’t found the net all season and has only made 14 appearances for the Bundesliga side, which has had some drastic consequences.
German outlet Bild has reported that the 29-year-old is free to leave, and that allows Arsenal a chance to make a move. But with Schalke looking for a transfer, a loan move will take some convincing.