Transfer news round-up: Arsenal to make move for Ciprian Marica; Tottenham line up £8m bid for Diego Perotti; Could Mario Balotelli be set for a return to the Premier League

A look at some of the more eye opening recent rumours from around the web

Ciprian Marica (GETTY IMAGES)

Olivier Giroud is continuing to fire for the Gunners, putting two goals past Southampton at the weekend. But the better the Frenchman does, the greater Arsenal's reliance on him. That's why Arsenal are expected to spend in January to bring in re-inforcements, and the latest rumour suggests they will make a bid for Ciprian Marica. The 28-year-old, who plays for Getafe, is also interesting Tottenham according to The Metro.

Spurs are also interested in Sevilla midfielder Diego Perotti according to the Daily Mirror. After suffering a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend, it would seem an outlay in excess of £100m during the summer wasn't enough, so they are preparing an £8m move the the 25-year-old Argentine.

New Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis saw his new side pick up a rare win at Hull City on Saturday - but that doesn't mean he won't be looking to bolster the squad in January. According to the Daily Mirror he has his eye on Jordan Rhodes, despite Blackburn recently signalling that the 23-year-old striker would not be sold.

Paul Pogba

Chelsea

, already linked with a £50m move for Radamel Falcao during the January transfer window, are reportedly ready to splash that amount on Paul Pogba. The French midfielder, who has begun to display the kind of talent that made Manchester United so reluctant to let him leave, has impressed Jose Mourinho and, according to caughtoffside.com, the Portuguese manager wants the Chelsea board to begin discussions with Juventus.

Could Mario Balotelli be on his way back to the Premier League? Who would take a gamble on the eccentric Italian is not clear, but after he missed a penalty at the weekend he tweeted "This is the end :-)". That led to suggestions he could leave faltering AC Milan in January, however, later on he tweeted "Forza Milan comunque e sempre," which translates as "Go on Milan, no matter how and forever". The plot thickens.