Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Mesut Ozil, Wilfried Zaha, Emiliano Buendia, Omar Rekik, Folarin Balogun latest
Mikel Arteta is exploring all options with the need to sell in order to bring in new signings
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Arsenal remain active in the January transfer window with Mikel Arteta moving closer to wielding the axe and prepared to sanction up to eight sales as he reshapes his squad to his liking at the Emirates.
That could mean the Gunners move on the likes of Shkodran Mustafi, Mohamed Elneny, Reiss Nelson, Callum Chambers, Folarin Balogun, Joe Willock, Mesut Ozil, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Sead Kolasinac, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Lucas Torreira. While Granit Xhaka and Alexandre Lacazette could yet find themselves elsewhere come the summer. There have been better signs on the pitch ahead of the FA Cup this weekend though, following a 4-0 win at West Bromwich Albion, with Arteta’s side moving away from the bottom of the table and now up to 11th in the Premier League table. This month could yet prove crucial to where Arsenal finish under the Spaniard though, with European football required to maintain the momentum of his revolution in north London.
But their business over the course of the next few weeks could prove pivotal to their chances, with the winter window now wide open for teams to buy and sell. Arsenal completed numerous deals in the summer, including Willian, Gabriel and Dani Ceballos, while that trio was joined by Thomas Partey on deadline day. There could be exciting opportunities ahead with Edu’s relationship with Kia Joorabchian, while one of Arteta’s main priorities will be to shift Mesut Ozil, who remains frozen out at the Emirates.
A deal for Isco has been in the works with Real Madrid open to selling, but that deal could rely on the Gunners creating space in the squad and easing the burden on the club’s wage bill. Defender Sead Kolasinac has returned to Germany with a loan move to Schalke with many more including defenders Shkodran Mustafi and William Saliba and even Mesut Ozil possible departures before the deadline.
We will have all the latest Arsenal news, rumours and gossip - on both comings and goings - throughout the day.
New Hibernian signing Matt Macey admits the well-wishes from former Arsenal team-mate Kieran Tierney are only likely to last the weekend.
Matt Macey says Kieran Tierney influenced move from Arsenal to Hibs
The goalkeeper will go straight into the side at the weekend
FENERBAHCE COULD ANNOUNCE OZIL NEWS ‘SOON’
Turkish television mogul Acun Ilicali has claimed that Fenerbahce could have "some good news soon" regarding the potential signing of Arsenal's Mesut Ozil.
“I really like Mesut Ozil,” Ilica said.
“I really like Fenerbahce. I’m involved in the effort to try and get Ozil to Fenerbahce but he needs to sort out his agreement with Arsenal and then a move could be a possibility.
“I can’t get into all the details, that is for club president Ali Koc to reveal but I expect there will be a statement from him soon.
“We could get some good news soon.”
NEW ARSENAL SIGNING WANTS ‘SPORTING SUCCESS’
Omar Rekik has insisted he is more concerned with "sporting success" than price tags after joining Arsenal from Hertha Berlin yesterday.
The 19-year-old defender was signed for £600,000 and will join the club's Under-23s.
"Of course it would be a dream to be worth €60million or even more," Rekik told Bild.
"Because that would mean that I've made great athletic development. But sporting success is more valuable to me.
"I don't have a specific goal. If Arsenal had waited a few months, they would have got me without a transfer fee.
"Now they have spent so much money on me. I want to repay that with performance. The club is serious about me, and I'm grateful for that."
Manager Mikel Arteta has insisted Mesut Ozil's legacy at Arsenal is intact regardless of whether he plays for the club again.
The World Cup winner has entered the final six months of his lucrative deal with the Gunners – which is said to be worth some £350,000-a-week – and can now talk to overseas teams.
Arteta and Ozil's agent have both this week confirmed his future will become clearer in the coming days, with Fenerbahce and DC United linked with the playmaker who has made more than 250 appearances for Arsenal since he signed in 2013 from Real Madrid.
Mikel Arteta weighs in on Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal legacy as midfielder nears exit
DC United and Fenerbahce are the likeliest destinations for the former Germany international
SPURS & LIVERPOOL TRIED TO SIGN ARSENAL YOUNGSTER
Emile Smith Rowe was a target for both Tottenham and Liverpool before he signed a professional contract at Arsenal, according to the Evening Standard.
Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was believed to be an admirer of the youngster, who has impressed having broken into Mikel Arteta's first-team at the Emirates this season.
Jurgen Klopp was also interested in Smith Rowe in the early part of his Liverpool tenure.
ARSENAL DON’T WANT TO PAY PERCENTAGE OF OZIL’S SALARY IN FENERBAHCE DEAL
Arsenal are not willing to pay a portion of Mesut Ozil's salary as he enters talks with Fenerbahce over a potential move to Turkey, according to the Guardian.
The Germany international reportedly favours a switch to the Super Lig over the alternative options, which include offers from MLS side DC United as well as clubs in Italy and Qatar.
William Saliba has claimed he was not given the opportunity to fight for a place in Arsenal’s defence before being sent out on loan this month.
William Saliba reveals what Mikel Arteta said before sending him on loan
Centre-back, 19, joined Nice on loan this month
DORTMUND WILL ‘LISTEN TO OFFERS’ FOR BRANDT AMID ARSENAL INTEREST
Arsenal have been alerted by the news that Borussia Dortmund will "listen to offers" for Julian Brandt, claim ESPN.
The midfielder's inconsistent form since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019 has reportedly left Dortmund unconvinced, and the Bundesliga club are open to a loan or permanent exit.
Brandt could also benefit from a move ahead of the upcoming European Championship, with his place in the Germany squad currently in doubt.
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