Arsenal’s potential AFCON departures revealed – Should Arteta make January signings?

Arsenal is one of many Premier League clubs that will lose players for a month during the African Cup of Nations in January.

The Gunners have been in fine form recently, and most of their African players have made important contributions to the team.

Sky Sports reveals that Thomas Partey (Ghana), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon), Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast) and Mohamed Elneny (Egypt) are likely to be called up by their country for the competition.

Any of these players could miss these matches: Jan 1: Man City (H); Jan 16: Tottenham (A); Jan 22: Burnley (H); Feb 8: Wolves (A).

Just Arsenal Opinion

Losing players to international duty isn’t a new thing, and it would be tough for Arsenal to play without these stars.

However, the club should have learnt how to deal with problems like this by now.

With the competition kick-starting in January, that month is a good time for Arteta to add a few players to his squad.

But Arsenal can still do well if the other alternatives step up and fill the roles left behind by these stars.

Aubameyang’s departure could open up the chance for Alexandre Lacazette to score some goals, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles might take his chance when Partey and Elneny are gone.