With the January transfer window just two days away from opening, many Premier League clubs are readying themselves for 31 days of negotiations/throwing enough money at anyone who'll join them in order to bolster their squads for an assault on the second half of the season.
In Arsenal's case, the task at hand is to find suitable replacements for those players who are almost certain to leave either next month or at the end of the season.
Most notably, this is regarding Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
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Both the German playmaker and the Chilean forward are out of contract in June, meaning they are free to negotiate terms with any club they choose next month ahead of a free transfer in the summer. Alternatively, the Gunners could also cash in on the pair to avoid losing them both for nothing. Although given how little time is left on their deals, not much would likely be raised in transfer fees for either player.
But whether Ozil and Sanchez leave next month or in the summer is neither here nor there, the attacking duo have been two of Arsenal's most important players over the last four years and will be incredibly difficult to replace.
Sanchez and Ozil will need replacing at the Emirates Stadium either next month or in the summer. Images: PA
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A replacement for Sanchez, however, may have already been found and may be currently playing his football not too far away from the Emirates Stadium.
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has emerged as Arsene Wenger's primary transfer target, although the Gunners could face competition for the Ivory Coast international's signature from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
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Zaha, who was infamously Sir Alex Ferguson's last ever signing at Manchester United, joining the Red Devils for £15 million in 2013, barely featured during his time at Old Trafford, with David Moyes never utilising the winger's talents, instead opting to loan him out to Cardiff City, instead.
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The 25-year-old has since revived his career back at Selhurst Park, rising to prominence once again in the Palace first team and becoming one of the Eagles' most important players as they battle against relegation, following a dismal start to the season.
Zaha starred during Palace's 3-2 home defeat to Arsenal on Thursday night and may be sharing a pitch with the Gunners players he came up against two nights ago on a more permanent basis if Arsene Wenger gets his way.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football News, Football, Wilfried Zaha, Alexis Sanchez, Premier League, Crystal Palace
