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Arsenal transfer news: Miralem Pjanic 'lined up in swap for Alexis Sanchez', while Olivier Giroud discusses China

A round up of the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates

Wednesday 18 January 2017 11:16 GMT

Pjanic has scored seven and made nine assists for Juve this season (Getty Images)

Arsenal are rumoured to be lining up a deal that would see Miralem Pjanic move to the Emirates in a swap for Alexis Sanchez.

The Gunners had been linked with a move for the Juventus midfielder earlier in the transfer window and it appears they want him to sweeten the exit of Sanchez if the Italian champions make a move in the summer, according to a report in TuttoSport.

The Chilean forward has 18 months left to run on his current contract and has appeared increasingly frustrated with life at Arsenal in recent weeks.

Barcelona midfielder Sergi Samper has claimed he rejected an approach from Arsene Wenger last summer.

The 21-year-old is currently playing on loan at Granada and told the club's website that he is determined to break into the Barca first team.

"I didn't want to listen to Wenger. I made it clear I wanted to stay, to succeed at Barca," he explained.

Olivier Giroud has admitted he would be open to a move to the lucrative Chinese Super League, but not until he has won a Premier League title with Arsenal.

When asked how he felt about players giving up elite European leagues for the riches of the Far East, the French forward admitted he was not surprised.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

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1/10Arsenal's potential January transfers

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Miralem Pjanic

The Bosnian attacking-midfielder is a dead ball specialist but it remains to be seen whether Arsenal really need him. One thing that Arsenal do not lack is creativity. Needless to say though, Pjanic is a wonderful player and one that would complement this team. Reports suggest that Arsene Wenger has already lodged a £28m bid.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Ricardo Rodriguez

The Wolfsburg left-back has been regarded as one of the most promising full-backs of his generation and it’s a position that Arsenal particularly struggle in. The Swiss international, like Pjanic, excels in dead ball situations but they will face stiff competition from Europe’s elite to secure his services.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Steven N'Zonzi

Arsenal have struggled in recent years to get a player nailed down in that defensive midfield position to give security to the defence. The former Stoke City man has been in dazzling form of late and Arsenal are reportedly looking to bring him back to the Premier League for a reported £20m.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Chris Smalling

This deal could be a realistic one, especially if Manchester United sign another defender like long-term target Victor Lindelof. In a season plagued by injury, Smalling could be deemed surplus to requirements if United do end up signing the Swede, and he’d be a good fit in that Arsenal back-line. Though, it is unknown whether Wenger will want to sign another centre-back after shelling out £35m in the summer for Shkodran Mustafi.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Dimitri Payet

The Frenchman was one of the players of the season in the Premeir League last term, but his form has dipped dramatically this season. Despite this, everyone knows his qualities and he’d be a good fit in the Gunners side. West Ham won’t be letting him go on the cheap though.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Alexandre Lacazette

It seems as though the Lyon striker is linked with London club at every opportunity, but it never materialises. There is still a possibility that he could be making his way across the English Channel however after he said that he will be considering his options before the season is done. He could be the signing that Arsenal need.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

In: Moussa Dembele

Since signing from Fulham in the summer, the Celtic frontman has struck nine times in 20 matches and has also grabbed five assists. If Wenger brought him to the Emirates it’d be hard to believe that he’d get in the team immediately but could be a good deal for the future.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

Out: Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal’s main man has been in superb form this season and potential suitors are swarming from all over Europe to try and prise him away. Juventus have been heavily linked with the Chilean and have the money to bring him back to Serie A.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

Out: Chuba Akpom

Struggling to break in to the Arsenal setup, it looks increasingly likely that Akpom will be loaned out with Ipswich reportedly waiting in the wings. If the Nigerian was to depart on loan this transfer window, it’d be his fourth loan move in just two years.

Arsenal's potential January transfers

Out: Carl Jenkinson

The young full-back is out-of-favour with the French boss and West Ham could be looking to re-sign the young Englishman on loan for the third time. His second stint with the Hammers was cut short due to a cruciate ligament injury.

"Honestly, from my point of view I will tell you that I can understand, but if you asked me if I want to go now I will tell you 'no'," he explained.

"The Premier League is my main target so after when I will win it one day, why not, you never know."

Joey Barton has told FourFourTwo magazine that there was some "low-level interest" from Arsenal a few years back and that he would have "liked to have played" for the club. "Who wouldn't?" he added.

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