Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Arsenal transfer news and rumours: Gabriel Paulista on verge; Morgan Schneiderlin boost; Joao Pereira linked

The latest transfer talk surrounding the Emirates

Simon Rice
Tuesday 27 January 2015 09:32 GMT
Comments
Morgan Schneiderlin
Morgan Schneiderlin (Getty)

ARSENAL BOUND...

Arsenal's interest in Morgan Schneiderlin is nothing new, but suggestions that Southampton are eyeing up a replacement has given the Gunners a boost in their hopes of signing the midfielder. According to the Mirror, the Saints are considering a bid for Jordy Clasie, who worked with Ronald Koeman at Feyenoord. No move for Schneiderlin is expected this month, but a summer switch seems likely with the player continuing to hint he would like a transfer to a 'bigger' club, despite Southampton's excellent form this season.

Arsenal had been linked with a move for Aleksandar Dragovic, however the latest reports suggest the defender has snubbed them in favour of a move to Manchester United instead. The 23-year-old has been viewed as the answer to both teams' defensive issues, however it is Manchester United that look set to find out if he is, according to the Daily Express.

Interest in Dragovic may have waned anyway as Gabriel Paulista is set to complete his move from Villarreal. The Brazilian has been granted a work permit and is expected to be confirmed as an Arsenal player imminently.

Gabriel Paulista is quick, brave and is rarely injured (Getty)

A new right-back could be set to arrive too. Mathieu Debuchy's nightmare debut season continues with the Frenchman currently out injured. That's put Arsene Wenger back in the market for cover and according to Italian website Tuttomercatoweb there is interest in Valencia's Joao Pereira. The 30-year-old switched to La Liga from Sporting Lisbon in 2012 and has made 40 appearances for Portugal.

Interest in Alexandre Lacazette may have to wait until the summer. The 23-year-old has been in sensational form in Ligue 1 this season but the Lyon player has suffered an injury that looks likely to scupper any move this month.

HEADING FOR THE EXIT...

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Chuba Akpom. The young striker is in the final year of his contract and despite the Gunners being keen to retain him, the 19-year-old is stalling on a deal. That's given hope to other teams that he could be snatched away, with the Metro reporting that Liverpool are the latest to show an interest. Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund have also been linked.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in