Arsenal transfer news: Offer 'prepared' for new Gabriel Martinelli as Chelsea hijack on
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta appears poised to finalise two contrasting January deals in the coming days. The Gunners have experienced a relatively quiet January transfer window so far, with any potential arrivals likely to be balanced by an exit.
As injury concerns subside, Mikel Arteta is moving closer to having a complete squad at his disposal, which is anticipated to lead to reduced playing time for peripheral players. Ethan Nwaneri falls into this category as he heads to Marseille on loan.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is one Arsenal player currently away from the club on a temporary deal, but his situation appears set to change following a frank admission from Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche and interest from another club. With all of that being said,
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Concrete bid 'expected'Liverpool are reportedly preparing to make a formal approach for Arsenal-linked forward Yan Diomande. RB Leipzig have informed all interested parties that any negotiation will only begin at €100million (£87m).
Caughtoffsideclaim that Liverpool’s interest is currently the strongest. It is said that the Reds are expected to make a formal approach in the coming months and view Diomande as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
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Arsenal have kept tabs on the player for two years and and they are believed to view him as a potential heir to Gabriel Martinelli. Internal discussions have taken place but Gunners chiefs do not want to enter a bidding war.
Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United are all said to be monitoring Diomande. However, it is claimed that either they have other priorities right now or are not ready to make such a huge financial commitment.
Chelsea hijackThere has reportedly been a development in the transfer negotiations between Chelsea and Rennes regarding star defender Jeremy Jacquet. The Standard report that whilst personal terms have been settled with the highly-regarded Jacquet, a fee agreement between the clubs remains elusive, prompting speculation that the player will stay in France for the remainder of the season before moving to Chelsea in the summer.
Arsenal have also been mentioned as potential suitors, whilst Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi has been suggested as an alternative option.
ESPN claim that Real Madrid star Arda Guler is on Arsenal's radar. The Turkey international started the campaign as a pivotal figure in Xabi Alonso's midfield setup.
Madrid's decision to avoid pursuing Martin Zubimendi was partly based on their confidence in Guler's potential to flourish in central midfield. However, his playing time and performances have declined in recent months, and his future role under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, Arsenal currently have no intention of making any major moves this window unless an outstanding opportunity arises in the closing fortnight. Any concrete interest in Guler would be far more probable in the summer.