Arsenal could be set for a busy final fortnight of the January transfer window as Mikel Arteta tries to strengthen his squad ahead of the second-half of the season.
The Gunners are set to make a signing this month, having seen their proposed move for number one target Mykhaylo Mudryk hijacked by Chelsea. The Ukrainian made the £87million move to the Blues from Shakhtar Donetsk on Sunday, with the 22-year-old penning a staggering eight-and-a-half year contract.
It has been reported that the Gunners have since been looking at alternatives for Mudryk with Moussa Diaby and Nicolo Zaniolo amongst the many names linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. So, with that in mind, here are the latest transfer rumours coming out of the club.
Arsenal learn Diaby price
Bayer Leverkusen want £88million for Arsenal target Moussa Diaby, according to Sky Sports.
The 23-year-old is a transfer target for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta tries to bolster his squad ahead of the second-half of the season. Diaby’s price tag has increased after Mykhaylo Mudryk joined Chelsea for £88m.
Antony’s £85m move from Ajax to Manchester United last summer has also inflated the market. But Arsenal have entered talks with the German club for the French winger, with Newcastle also keen.
It has also reported that Bayer may be forced to part ways with one of their key assets before the transfer window closes in order to raise funds. Leverkusen are keen to offload some of their fringe stars but struggling to find interested parties, prompting speculation that cashing in on Diaby is a possibility and that it ‘cannot be ruled out’.
Tielemans stance amid contract stand-off
Arsenal continue to be linked with a switch for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans in the January transfer window, with the Belgian nearing the end of his contract. However, the player isn’t reportedly keen on making a move in the winter market, according told Wettfreunde.
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The report stated that Tielemans doesn’t want to move in January. His contract is expiring in the summer and he supposedly wants to move on a free transfer instead.
Earlier this month, Brendan Rodgers opened up on Tielemans’ future amid links to Arsenal after the Belgian impressed in the Foxes’ clash with Fulham despite the result. Rodgers assessed: “It has gone on for a while, but it’s all based around the player, ultimately. His commitment is no less now to what it was when I first came in – if not even more. He’s loved his time here and is still loving his time here.”
Arsenal target Zaniolo move
Arsenal have reportedly entered talks with Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo – after missing out on Mykhaylo Mudryk following his big-money move to Chelsea.
The Gunners’ proposed move for the Ukrainian was hijacked by Chelsea as the Blues confirmed the arrival of Mudryk on a staggering eight-and-a-half year contract on Sunday. The deal could cost Todd Boehly up to £88m including add-ons for the highly-rated winger, who has scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in 18 games this season.
According to La Repubblica, relayed by Forza Roma, Arsenal have turned to their second priority transfer in the form of Italy international Zaniolo. The 23-year-old has struggled for form and fitness this season but is a talented player with a lot of potential that could fit straight into Mikel Arteta’s mould and system.
Arsenal have been left with ‘avalanche of money’ to strengthen their attacking department after their second bid of around £62m was turned down by Shakhtar. Zaniolo is a tall, strong, and fast player, who is also a good dribbler and can play in a number of positions, including in midfield or on the wing. He has scored twice and provided three assists in 17 appearances this term.
