Arsenal seem to have a good chance of bringing in a third new signing of the January transfer window after a report claimed that a move could be “imminent” for a defensive-minded player who can strengthen their options in two roles.
So far this month, Arsenal have welcomed former Brighton winger Leandro Trossard and ex-Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior to the Emirates Stadium. They will be hoping that each new recruit can add further quality to their table-topping squad.
Indeed, the task for Arsenal this month has been to find players who can add to what they have, rather than upset the balance as they chase the Premier League title. They are also conscious of discovering talents who can help ensure their success stretches into the long term.
Now, there has been a fairly significant development regarding one of the players they have been keeping tabs on in recent months.
A report from Portuguese source Jornal De Noticias has revealed how there could be an “imminent transfer” whereby Arsenal would be signing Ibrahima Bamba from Vitoria Guimaraes.
Bamba began to be linked with Arsenal around November. The 20-year-old has been showing his potential in the Portuguese top flight.
Bamba’s contract in Guimaraes is due to expire in 2026 after he signed a renewal in October. Arsenal could be about to prise him away, though.
It would be a first taste of English football for Bamba. At present, it isn’t clear if Arsenal would have a first-team squad role in mind for him immediately.
They have invested in one of the positions he can play, centre-back, by bringing in Kiwior this month. As for his other role, midfield is actually somewhere else Arsenal have been wondering whether to strengthen.
Their current options at holding midfield include Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga. Apart from the latter, who is yet to really convince, it is not the most youthful department.
Hence, they could begin to evolve by bringing in someone like Bamba – if they do see him as a midfielder, that is. Furthermore, he would have to prove he is ready to compete for a place.
It will be up to Mikel Arteta to decide how Bamba would be most useful if he does end up as an Arsenal player.