Friday’s biggest Arsenal news and transfer rumour roundup.
Arsene Wenger has seemingly identified Southampton star Victor Wanyama as the solution to mis midfield injury problems, according to the Daily Mirror.
With the likes of Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere all missing, Arsenal’s midfield has ultimately been decimated and the injury crisis could force Wenger’s hand in the transfer market.
Wanyama has been on Arsenal’s radar since before he linked up with Southampton, and could finally make the move to The Emirates in the new year providing the two sides can agree on a fee of around £16m.
Arsenal could also land a cut-price deal for prolific Russian striker Aleksandr Kokorin in January, with reports in the Metro claiming that a deal has already been agreed.
The forward is out of contract with Dynamo Moscow at the end of the season, but they have told The Gunners that they can wait it out or stump up just £4.6m in the new year.
Kokorin came close to joining Arsenal over the summer, but a deal could not be agreed between the two sides, though it now looks as if it could finally go ahead in January.
Arsenal have also finally been given the green light to make a move for Real Madrid playmaker Isco, after learning that the Spanish giants are ready to cash in on him next month, according to French publication BuzzSport.
Wenger has been a long-time admirer of the 23-year-old and has been heavily linked with his signature in the past, but Real have often rebuffed any attempts to part with him.
However, with Madrid struggling for form so far this term, they are now reportedly open to a sale, with a potential £36m going back into the squad as new investment.
Having lost Santi Cazorla for a lengthy spell of the season, Arsene Wenger could be tempted to break open the chequebook to bring in some much needed creativity in central midfield.
Gunners star Hector Bellerin is being lined up as as long-term replacement for Barcelona veteran Dani Alves, according to Goal.com.
The youngster began his career with the Catalan giants, but has spent the past year establishing himself in the Arsenal side and as one of the Premier League’s best right-backs.
However, with Dani Alves’ contract expiring at the end of next season, Barca are keen on bringing him back to the club as the Brazilian’s successor.
Roma could look to cancel a permanent move for Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny as they are instead looking at other options, according to the Daily Mirror.
Szczesny is currently on a season long loan deal with the Italian giants, but recent reports have claimed that they are also looking into the possibility of signing PSG stopper Salvatore Sirigu in the new year.
While the Italian club are understood to have to pay a penalty fee in order to terminate the loan agreement, it is a significantly lower figure than paying his wages for the rest of the season.