Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Manor Solomon, Lucas Torreira, Marcel Sabitzer latest
All the latest transfer rumours, gossip and news on Spurs during the January window
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Arsenal will continue trying to balance out their squad as Mikel Arteta looks to offload those not competing for a regular place in his team, while also improving the side to push into the top half of the Premier League table after a recent turnaround in form.
The Gunners had an awful run over November and December, failing to win a single league game in seven and falling to within a couple of places of the relegation zone - but a recent four-game win streak across all competitions has reversed the mood somewhat, culminating in an FA Cup third-round win over Newcastle United on Saturday.
It wasn’t all good news from that match, though, as young forward Gabriel Martinelli picked up an injury in the warm-up. Another starlet did manage to shine, though, with Granit Xhaka praising Emile Smith Rowe after he found the breakthrough in extra time against the Magpies.
Mikel Arteta sounded his satisfaction that the VAR calls went his way, but the manager will now be looking to ensure the winning run goes on for longer, with the Gunners facing Crystal Palace in midweek before playing Newcastle again next Monday night. The boss hopes influential midfielder Thomas Partey could make his return from injury in that fixture, while off the pitch he is focused on offloading fringe members of the squad.
Mesut Ozil is expected to be one of the players departing the Emirates Stadium this month, while Arteta has also discussed the future of young forward Folarin Balogun. On the incoming side, the Gunners are still looking for a creative midfield outlet to play alongside Thomas, with RB Leipzig’s Marcel Sabitzer one of those linked with a move to north London.
We will have all the latest Arsenal news, rumours and gossip, from both potential signings and sales, throughout the day.
Darkness of Mesut Ozil’s exit should not overshadow an illuminating career
Ozil’s demise is a tragedy with blame on all sides - but his brilliance will live far longer in memory
OZIL’S ‘INTEGRITY’ QUESTIONED AMID FENERBAHCE RUMOURS
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has claimed Mesut Ozil will leave Arsenal this month "if he has any integrity".
The Germany international has been frozen out by manager Mikel Arteta and has been heavily linked with a move to Turkish club Fenerbahce.
“If Mesut Ozil wanted to play he could have got a loan move, agreed to join Fenerbahce and they pay a portion of his wages, and he plays," Jordan told talkSPORT.
“People will say ‘but he doesn't have to’ but his career will not last forever, so if he has any integrity about him as an elite footballer he will look to play football, wherever it may be.
“For Arsenal, this Mesut Ozil situation needs to be resolved. If that means paying £9million and it’s paid over six months or 18 months, whatever it is, it doesn't make a lot of difference to Mesut Ozil unless he wants to make a point.
“But, if he has one ounce of integrity, he’d want to get out of Arsenal.”
ARSENAL COULD FACE COMPETITION FOR DAKA
Arsenal could be joined in the race to sign RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka by rivals West Ham, according to football.london.
The 22-year-old has reportedly been identified as a long-term replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, but his agent Freddie Kanoute is believed to have offered the youngster to West Ham.
The Hammers may have a more pressing need for a new forward, having sold Sebastien Haller to Ajax last week.
ARTETA RESPONDS TO BUENDIA & COSTA SPECULATION
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has refused to "go name-by-name" on the club's January targets having been quizzed about potential interest in Emi Buendia and Diego Costa.
“We get linked with players that we haven't even discussed!" he said. "So as you can imagine, I cannot go name-by-name.”
OZIL TO FENERBAHCE ‘STILL A DREAM’
Fenerbahce president Ali Koc has revealed that the club are no closer to signing Mesut Ozil, despite speculation of an imminent transfer.
"Mesut Ozil is still a dream," he told Turkish outlet Sporx.
"Not a single person from Fenerbahce has made a statement. There are issues between Mesut and Arsenal.
"It is a subject we are closer to than in the past. There is nothing ending."
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed defender Rob Holding is set to sign a new deal with the club.
Rob Holding will sign new Arsenal contract ‘soon’
English centre-back has won a regular place in the side this season
ARTETA ON SMITH ROWE FORM
"It's just the start and there's a lot to do.
"I've been impressed with his performances and the capacity that he's shown to do it in consecutive games which normally with young players is not something that is very common.
“The other day [against Newcastle] he came into the game when we needed a different energy and a threat in the box he did exactly what we expected and he scored the goal, which is something that we've been talking to him about.”
FORMER ARSENAL STRIKER BACKS ‘CLEVER SIGNING’
Kevin Campbell has encouraged Arsenal to pursue a deal for Norwich midfielder Emi Buendia.
The Gunners have been linked with the Argentine, who impressed in the Premier League last season despite his side's relegation.
"I like him. He has the qualities that Mikel Arteta is looking for in a player," Campbell told Football Insider.
"Not only can he pick a pass, he can score and he works hard. He has that energy which has been missing from the team for long periods of this season.
"I think he would be a very clever signing. There are some really good players in the Championship and Buendia is one of them. He would fit what Arteta wants to do perfectly.
"I know Norwich will be desperate to keep him but this is Arsenal and business is business. I am sure Buendia would want to join Arsenal, that is for sure."
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has said he will not follow Mesut Ozil’s Twitter Q&A session on Monday evening as the midfielder prepares to address speculation around his future.
Ozil has not stepped out for the Gunners since March 2020 and is not part of the club’s Premier League and Europa League squads.
The former Germany international is expected to leave Arsenal this month, with Fenerbahce and MLS side DC United the most likely destinations for the 32-year-old.
Mikel Arteta won’t follow Mesut Ozil’s Twitter Q&A on Arsenal future
Midfielder is expected to leave the north London club any day now
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