Arsenal transfer news: Arsene Wenger compares new left-back Cohen Bramall to Ashley Cole

Three Premier League titles, seven FA Cup winner's medals, 107 England caps. No pressure...

Thursday 05 January 2017 12:02 GMT

Cohen Bramall reminds Arsene Wenger of a 'young Ashley Cole' (Getty Images)

He may have been plucked from non-league obscurity, but Arsene Wenger thinks Arsenal's new boy can be one of the very best.

Cohen Bramall completed his switch to the Emirates from Hednesford Town on Thursday morning for a fee of £40,000 and Wenger has backed the left-back to establish himself in the Premier League, comparing him to former Arsenal star Ashley Cole.

"He's an exceptional physical talent," the Frenchman told beIN Sports. "I don't think he's ready, today, to play in the Premier League but he has similarities to a young Ashley Cole."

Arsenal fans will surely be excited at the prospect of signing a player of similar quality to Cole. After coming through the Arsenal academy, he went on to win two Premier League titles and three FA Cups with the club, in a career that saw him win 107 England caps.

They will, however, perhaps be hoping Bramall does not leave the club under the same cloud as his forerunner.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

Show all 10

1/10Arsenal's potential January transfers

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Miralem Pjanic

The Bosnian attacking-midfielder is a dead ball specialist but it remains to be seen whether Arsenal really need him. One thing that Arsenal do not lack is creativity. Needless to say though, Pjanic is a wonderful player and one that would complement this team. Reports suggest that Arsene Wenger has already lodged a £28m bid.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Ricardo Rodriguez

The Wolfsburg left-back has been regarded as one of the most promising full-backs of his generation and it’s a position that Arsenal particularly struggle in. The Swiss international, like Pjanic, excels in dead ball situations but they will face stiff competition from Europe’s elite to secure his services.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Steven N'Zonzi

Arsenal have struggled in recent years to get a player nailed down in that defensive midfield position to give security to the defence. The former Stoke City man has been in dazzling form of late and Arsenal are reportedly looking to bring him back to the Premier League for a reported £20m.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Chris Smalling

This deal could be a realistic one, especially if Manchester United sign another defender like long-term target Victor Lindelof. In a season plagued by injury, Smalling could be deemed surplus to requirements if United do end up signing the Swede, and he’d be a good fit in that Arsenal back-line. Though, it is unknown whether Wenger will want to sign another centre-back after shelling out £35m in the summer for Shkodran Mustafi.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Dimitri Payet

The Frenchman was one of the players of the season in the Premeir League last term, but his form has dipped dramatically this season. Despite this, everyone knows his qualities and he’d be a good fit in the Gunners side. West Ham won’t be letting him go on the cheap though.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Alexandre Lacazette

It seems as though the Lyon striker is linked with London club at every opportunity, but it never materialises. There is still a possibility that he could be making his way across the English Channel however after he said that he will be considering his options before the season is done. He could be the signing that Arsenal need.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Moussa Dembele

Since signing from Fulham in the summer, the Celtic frontman has struck nine times in 20 matches and has also grabbed five assists. If Wenger brought him to the Emirates it’d be hard to believe that he’d get in the team immediately but could be a good deal for the future.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

Out: Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal’s main man has been in superb form this season and potential suitors are swarming from all over Europe to try and prise him away. Juventus have been heavily linked with the Chilean and have the money to bring him back to Serie A.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

Out: Chuba Akpom

Struggling to break in to the Arsenal setup, it looks increasingly likely that Akpom will be loaned out with Ipswich reportedly waiting in the wings. If the Nigerian was to depart on loan this transfer window, it’d be his fourth loan move in just two years.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

Out: Carl Jenkinson

The young full-back is out-of-favour with the French boss and West Ham could be looking to re-sign the young Englishman on loan for the third time. His second stint with the Hammers was cut short due to a cruciate ligament injury.

Elsewhere in the transfer window, the Gunners have been linked with Ricardo Pereira, the Porto right-back who has impressed on loan at Ligue 1 high-flyers Nice this season.

According to the Daily Star, Wenger is preparing a £20m bid for the Portugal international.

Pereira would come in as competition for Hector Bellerin who was arguably at fault for two Bournemouth goals in the 3-3 draw on Tuesday.

But any hopes of further big money moves in the window were dampened by comments Wenger made in a press conference on Thursday morning.

When asked whether he was looking to bring in replacements for the injured Danny Welbeck and Santi Cazorla, Wenger said: "There is very little hope to find players of that quality in the transfer market."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies