A round-up of the latest Arsenal transfer gossip as Mikel Arteta rivals Liverpool for the signing of a £50m Premier League defender as part of the boss’ new long-term plans.
The Spaniard is keen to refresh his ranks in January as part of a new project to make Arsenal regular title threats. Arteta took the Gunners to a top-of-the-table Premier League fight with Manchester City last season. But they now find themselves five points off leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal are also three points behind the defending champions after 20 games and boast the worst goal difference amongst them. The Emirates Stadium natives have 37 Premier League goals this season to the Reds’ 43 and Citizens’ 48, whilst conceding 20 to 18 and 23 to date.
Arsenal transfer news round-up
Agents have informed Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City of the release clause in Michael Olise’s contract at Crystal Palace. Reports by talkSPORT note Jim Ratcliffe has the forward atop Manchester United’s shortlist. But they may have to fight several rivals for a £50m deal.
Alex Crook has also told talkSPORT (16/1, 12:36) that Arsenal are interested in signing Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton. But Arteta will also have to overcome Manchester United to land a deal. The Toffees’ second breach of the Premier League’s FFP rules may force them to sell.
Arteta is planning to overhaul Arsenal’s full-back options over the next two transfer markets. Football Transfers claims the Spaniard wants to have four top-class inverted full-backs at the Emirates who are always available. The Gunners’ current wing-backs have often had injuries.
One wing-back on Arsenal’s radar is Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri but Arteta would have to fight Liverpool for his transfer. Football Transfers adds that Wolves have already turned an approach by the Gunners down amid talks with the Reds. Ait-Nouri will also cost over £50m.
Hale End hero Emile Smith Rowe has no interest in leaving Arsenal over the January transfer window. That is according to The Athletic, which adds the playmaker is determined to prove he is still good enough to play for his club. The 23-year-old has rarely played due to injuries.
But while Smith Rowe wants to stay at Arsenal, Ben Jacobs notes that Roma and Juventus are showing an interest in his transfer. The three-cap England international has only played a total of 245 minutes so far this season. He has also started in just two of his 12 appearances.
Sheffield Wednesday are also interested in signing Mika Biereth if Motherwell agree to tear up his current loan deal. The Star reports the Owls want to take the 20-year-old on loan to the summer. But the Well have a season-long deal and he has scored six goals in 15 games.
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