Latest reports claim that former Sevilla man Francisco Isco Alarcon has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal as the January transfer window approaches.
Isco, who spent nine years on the fringes at Real Madrid and won five UEFA Champions League titles alongside other accolades, joined the Andalusian club in the summer of 2022. His return to his hometown did not go as expected and on Wednesday, Isco and Sevilla mutually terminated their contract.
However, it looks like the 30-year-old midfielder will not be without a club for long as Arsenal have now been reported to be interested in taking him to the Emirates in January.
The former Malaga man has been targeted by the Gunners for years and now as a free agent, they stand a better chance of adding him to their ranks. Isco has not been at his best for a while but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who is in desperate need of midfield reinforcements, is reported to be confident of getting his compatriot back to his best.
The reports also claim that for Arteta to get his chance with Isco, Arsenal will have to battle Wolverhampton Wanderers and Juventus for his signature.
A move to the Premier League could interest Isco, who has spent all of his career in Spain since his breakout season at Valencia over a decade ago. Should Arsenal sign him, they will be giving up their pursuit of Youri Tielemans and Danilo, both of whom have been touted as the key targets for their midfield’s reinforcement.
Meanwhile, Steve Nicol has advised Arsenal to stay away from João Felix because it could create problems with Martin Ødegaard.
Gabriel Jesus’ injury has forced Arsenal into the transfer market for more than what they initially plotted before their striker picked up a knock at the just concluded World Cup in Qatar.
One of those touted as his replacement is Portugal international Felix, whose versatility allows him to play all across attack and as an 8/10. The 8/10 is team captain Ødegaard’s position and Nicol believes that signing Felix would disrupt the team’s balance.
After a fan called in to suggest Felix as a good option for Arsenal while Nicol was a guest on ESPN FC, Nicol disagreed, saying, “I don’t think Odegaard will be too happy with it if he appeared.
“No, it doesn’t seem the right fit. I like what they’ve got going now. It’s unfortunate Jesus is injured. But the whole thing they’ve got going now seems right – Joao Felix coming in could blow that up a little bit.”
Arsenal could end the window with at least three new signings if they choose to be as proactive as they have been in the past two seasons.
Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk is their key target and the likeliest transfer among all touted players. Should they sign Isco or Felix, Arteta would have the team to keep their spot at the top of the Premier League table.
They will be back in action against West Ham United on Boxing Day as they look to extend their five-point lead at the top of the table.
