Arsenal information: £87m battle as bid ‘anticipated’ for star Mikel Arteta has tracked for years
Arsenal face competition in the January transfer window as a formal bid is prepared for a star viewed by the Gunners as a potential Gabriel Martinelli heir
Mikel Arteta is weighing up more signings for Arsenal(Image: )
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly on the brink of finalising two contrasting deals in the January transfer window.
The Gunners have had a relatively quiet month so far, with any potential incomings likely to be offset by departures. As injury worries ease, Mikel Arteta is nearing a full-strength squad, which could mean less game time for fringe players. Ethan Nwaneri seems set to join this group as he heads to Marseille on loan.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, currently away from Arsenal on loan, may see his situation change following candid comments from Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche and interest from another club. The Gunners are in a commanding position in the Premier League and Champions League – here’s all the latest news from the Emirates.
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Concrete bid ‘expected’
Liverpool are reportedly gearing up to make an official bid for Arsenal-target Yan Diomande. RB Leipzig have made it clear negotiations will start at £87m, reports the Mirror.
Caughtoffside reports Liverpool’s interest is currently the most serious. It’s suggested the Premier League champions are planning to make a formal offer and see Diomande, 19, as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Arsenal have been tracking the teenage winger for two years and are thought to see him as a possible successor to Gabriel Martinelli. Behind-the-scenes talks have occurred but Arsenal bosses are reluctant to get involved in a bidding war.
Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United are all reportedly keeping an eye on Diomande. Nevertheless, it’s suggested that they either have different priorities at present or aren’t prepared to make such a substantial financial outlay.
Chelsea hijack
There has apparently been a twist in the transfer talks between Chelsea and Rennes concerning star defender Jeremy Jacquet.
The Standard report that while personal terms have been agreed with the highly-rated Jacquet, a fee agreement between the clubs remains out of reach.
This has sparked suggestions the 20-year-old centre-back will remain in France for the rest of the season before joining Chelsea in the summer.
Arsenal have also been cited as possible contenders, whilst Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi has been floated as an alternative choice.
Guler latest
ESPN suggest Real Madrid star Arda Guler is on Arsenal’s wishlist. The Turkey international began the campaign as a key player in Xabi Alonso’s midfield formation.
Madrid’s choice to steer clear of pursuing Martin Zubimendi was partly influenced by their belief in Guler’s ability to thrive in central midfield.
Yet, his game time and displays have dipped in recent months, and his future position under new boss Alvaro Arbeloa remains unclear.
That could open the door for the 20-year-old attacking midfielder to make a sensational move to North London.
