11 January 2023 , 10:56
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Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has urged the club to spend heavily in the January transfer window if they are serious about winning the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side lead Manchester City by five points after 17 rounds of action as the Gunners accumulated an impressive 44 points. Their September defeat against Manchester United was their only league loss so far this campaign.
Yet a recent scoreless draw at home to Newcastle hinted at a need to bolster their attacking ranks this month – a need that has been exacerbated by an injury sustained to Gabriel Jesus, who is expected to miss several more matches before returning for selection.
Campbell, who won the Premier League title in 2002 and 2004 with the North London club, believes that this current Arsenal side are capable of replicating that achievement but they need to invest in their first-team squad in January.
understands the club remain favourites to sign Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk despite Chelsea opening talks over a move for the Ukrainian. However, they have missed out on a loan deal for Joao Felix – who will join the Blues on a loan deal until the end of the campaign.
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Asked to evaluate Arteta’s job at the Gunners this campaign, Campbell explained: “Well, the season is not over. I think Arteta is doing very well and everything has gone well, but you have to evaluate it after the full season.
Arsenal are in talks to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk this month (Getty Images)Have Your Say! Which players should Arsenal try to sign this January? Tell us what you think here.
“It is evident that, after a season and a half where things were not going well with him and he was criticised, they could have sacked him. But they stayed with him and now they are reaping the rewards of him.
“There is still a long way to go in the Premier League and Manchester City are slowly catching up, so it will be interesting to wait until the end of the season. I hope they stay calm and invest just enough to help them.”
Campbell, speaking at an event in Turkey this week, was critical of Arsenal’s lack of transfer activity and highlighted their need to bolster their attacking ranks to give them an extra push for the remainder of the campaign.
Joao Felix is set to join Chelsea on loan - having been a target for Arsenal (Denis Doyle/Getty Images)“For example, Joao Felix, was a good option, but he has gone to Chelsea,” the former central defender added. “I would have liked him to end up at Arsenal. But yeah, that's what they have to do. To get to the top and give it that push, you need those extra players to make a difference.
“And you can't let those players escape because then there are injuries. We have some good players. (Eddie) Nketiah is doing well, scoring goals, but I think Arsenal need a little more just in case.
“Before this window closes, we need to get a little help to get through this and compete with Manchester City, who are tightening up there now.”