Arsenal transfer news: Star compared to Messi signs deal as Arteta breaks silence on £84m moves

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The clock is ticking in the January transfer window with just days left for Arsenal to complete their business. Although the Gunners are not believed to be working on any late arrivals before the window shuts on Monday evening.

That’s due to manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta believing the current Arsenal squad is strong enough to go all the way this season. After a record-breaking spending spree last summer on eight new players, Arteta’s men lead the Premier League by four points after 23 games and topped the Champions League ’s league phase, winning all eight matches.

It has therefore been quiet in N5 this month in terms of transfers, with the exception of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s imminent move to Ajax for £1.3million before his contract was due to expire in the summer.

Teenager Ethan Nwaneri also joined Marseille on loan until the end of the season, but there are now concerns over the move given the uncertainty around Roberto De Zerbi’s future with the French giants.

Now, Mirror Football takes a look at two of the latest news stories surrounding Arsenal ahead of Saturday’s Premier League visit to Leeds United .

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Arteta has lavished praise on Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman by comparing his ascent to that of Lionel Messi ’s - widely considered to be the best player ever. Dowman, who recently turned 16, has signed a pre-agreement for his first professional contract when he turns 17 in December of this year.

The teenage sensation became the youngest player ever to play in the Champions League earlier this season and is now set to remain with his boyhood club, despite some interest from other clubs in the England Under-19s star.

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When asked how Dowman compared to other talents that have come through Arsenal’s Hale End academy, the usually grounded Arteta was effusive in his praise of the youngster.

The Spaniard said: "Well, Max is certainly one of the best youngsters I have ever seen. What he has done with us, me personally, I haven't seen before. Only with a guy that used to play in Barcelona (Messi) but maybe not even that.

"He has a certain charisma as well and personality. He doesn't get overwhelmed, whether it's by the situation or the stadium or the opposition and that's a huge quality to have.

"The communication between us has been very, very productive over the years. It's now down to him and us to build an amazing career."

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The Gunners boss has also made his feelings clear after losing out on Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo to title rivals Manchester City earlier this month. Both players were reportedly targeted by Arsenal, with Arteta keen on pursuing them in the summer transfer window.

However, City acted more quickly than the north Londoners by completing deals for the pair, with Semenyo signed for £64m while Guehi was brought in for £20m. That has not only strengthened Pep Guardiola ’s side, with both players settling in well, but also struck a blow to the Gunners’ future transfer plans.

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