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.
BETIS JOIN RACE TO SIGN SOKRATIS
Real Betis are amongst the sides interested in signing Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos, according to Tutto Mercato.
Genoa were believed to be the front-runners in the race to sign the Greece international, who has been left out of Mikel Arteta's squads for the Premier League and Europa League this season.
But Betis are looking to strengthen their defence this month and have reportedly identified Sokratis as an option.
Mikel Arteta is eager to help Nicolas Pepe succeed at Arsenal and has laid out what the club's record signing needs to do in the upcoming months.
The attacker joined in the summer of 2019 from Lille for a £72million fee and while he has produced moments of quality, a lack of consistency has impacted his time at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta reveals what Arsenal must do to help Nicolas Pepe succeed
Pepe has been unable to usurp the likes of Saka and Willian from the regular line-up
ARSENAL TO RECALL TORREIRA
Arsenal are set to recall midfielder Lucas Torreira from his loan spell at Atletico Madrid, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The 24-year-old will then be sent to Serie A side Fiorentina because of a lack of game time in Spain.
Fiorentina have reportedly guaranteed regular minutes for Torrerira, who made the switch to Atletico in the summer.
ARSENAL LEGEND CALLS FOR WENGER RETURN
Former Arsenal player Charlie Nicholas has suggested the return of Arsene Wenger could be beneficial for the Gunners.
“I suggested about two years ago they should bring Arsene Wenger back to Arsenal,” he told Paddy Power.
“When Wenger and David Dein were a partnership that was bringing in Thierry Henry's and Patrick Viera's, it was a partnership that the manager wanted. Their relationship worked an absolute treat.
“Wenger was probably too intelligent for football and wanted to have a say in the finances of it too, and Dein would say, 'if we can afford it, we're just going to get you the player.' It worked so well. And I'd still take him back now.
“He'd not be a threat to Arteta, he'd be there to help him. He's a genuine Arsenal fan, and because of that he'll show the leadership and understanding the club needs.
“If Arsene was to call or turn up to meet a player from Atlético Madrid or Barcelona or Real Madrid, I think there's a strong chance he'd help get those deals over the line because of his presence and his reputation. I still think he could play a marvellous part in teaching Arteta the real rules of the management game.”
ARTETA REVEALS GOALKEEPER PLANS
Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal are looking to strengthen in the goalkeeper department amid rumours of a loan exit for summer signing Runar Alex Runarsson.
"We are assessing the situation in the three positions in the goalkeeping area, and we will find a different solution probably in this winter," he said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the weekend's clash with Crystal Palace, quoted by football.london.
"The discussion that we had in the summer with Edu and the club were a little bit different to what actually happened because of the transfer window and because of the situation that developed with Emi [Martinez] at the end of the day.
"And we didn’t have much time to do what we really wanted to do, and we decided to assess the situation in this window, which is what we are trying to do.
"We will make a decision here how we want to move forward in those three positions."
ARSENAL ‘IN CONTACT’ WITH BUENDIA REPRESENTATIVES
Arsenal have made contact with Emi Buendiia's representatives ahead of a bid for the Norwich midfielder, claim the Guardian.
The Gunners will face competition from Valencia, who have reportedly joined the race to sign the £40m-rated Argentine.
But an official offer from Arsenal is said to be "in the pipeline" as speculation mounts over Buendia's future at Carrow Road.
HOLDING SIGNS NEW CONTRACT
Rob Holding has committed his future to Arsenal with a new long-term contract.
The Athletic report that the 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal after impressing in Mikel Arteta's defence this season.
The Arsenal manager has praised Holding's recent improvement, admitting that he was almost loaned out last summer, with Newcastle reportedly interested.
Napoli may have other ideas, but Arsenal fans won’t want this man going anywhere…
SUMMER SIGNING COULD BE LOANED OUT
Arsenal are considering a loan move for goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson, according to the Athletic.
The 25-year-old only joined the club in the summer as a replacement for Emi Martinez, who was sold to Aston Villa.
But Runarsson has failed to convince in his handful of appearances so far, leading to concerns that he is not an adequate backup to Bernd Leno.
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