Arsenal have two Premier League matches remaining before the January transfer window opens, and sporting director Andrea Berta has held discussions over the transfer of a promising young defender.
Brighton confident ahead of trip to Arsenal
Brighton head to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday without a win in four matches, but boss Fabian Hurzeler is confident ahead of his side’s visit to the Championship leaders: “Why should we change, that is the question? We know what the problem is, we have to overcome the consistency issue and play well for 90 minutes.
“We showed that we are capable of doing big things, and the most important thing is to do well on the small margins against Arsenal.
“Stay alive for the 90 minutes, but we can’t go there with the mindset of only defending.
“We have to play with courage and bring our style of play to the field.
“We know we can beat every team in the league and, although it will be a big challenge, we are going there to win.”
Brighton’s record at Arsenal provides cause for optimism, as the Seagulls have won three and drawn two of their previous seven league matches at the Emirates Stadium, losing only twice.
Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, was furious at Declan Rice’s dismissal in that game last year, admitting this week that he had not forgotten the bizarre way in which the midfielder was sent off.
The Arsenal manager has just a few days to wait before he can strengthen his squad in the winter transfer window, and Berta has already got a head start on the proceedings.
Arsenal discusses with Rennes defender Jacquet
According to The Athletic, the Gunners have discussed the future of Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet.
Berta has been involved in ‘exploratory’ discussions over the 20-year-old, who rose to fame in Ligue 1 this season, sparking interest from Real Madrid.
Recruiter Antonio Mango described the young defender as a “monster”, praising his “physics, speed, athleticism and technical abilities” as a “true combination of unique elements”.
Arsenal have dealt with injuries in defense throughout the season, with each of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White and Piero Hincapié missing time.
Jacquet would arrive as a long-term project from a club that has produced Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele, but the youngster already ranks among the ‘big five’ central defenders for tackles, interceptions and attacking threat.
