Mikel Arteta will be hoping to finalise any potential Arsenal January transfer window plans very soon if the Gunners boss has not done so already. Though the plan appears to be reactive rather than proactive, Arteta may be very keen to strengthen his squad given the fact the Premier League title appears up for grabs.
Reigning champions Manchester City are in quite the crisis with Pep Guardiola appearing to have already conceded defeat. On the other hand, Arne Slot's Liverpool are absolutely flying, but their injury list is increasing, and Arsenal's recent experience in title races could prove key.
Adding depth in certain areas may also help their cause, but Arteta could instead opt for an aggressive approach next summer. The likes of Nico Williams, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi are all options for Arsenal that could be on the move very soon.
With that being said, football.london has taken a look at some of the big Arsenal transfer rumours, which include a big update on a favourite of a recent signing.
Zubimendi transfer boost
The Athletic claim that Martin Zubimendi is starting to come to terms with a Real Sociedad departure and sources anticipate that could come as early as next summer. Arsenal have long been linked to the Spain international and could be tempted to reunite him with Mikel Merino.
This past summer the Gunners were in negotiations with Sociedad for the midfielder before both parties agreed on a favourable package, worth £31.6million, given his contract situation.
football.london says: "Having rejected Liverpool and Bayern Munich as well as Arsenal, Zubimendi may finally be open to playing his football elsewhere.
"While it may not look like an immediate priority, Arteta could very soon lose two key midfielders in Jorginho and Thomas Partey given their respective contract situations, and thus bringing in a player in that role is something that must be completed sooner rather than later.
"Given the latest Zubimendi update, he should go right to the top of Arteta's wish list, especially considering how he could help Merino. The 28-year-old has endured a mixed start to life at Emirates Stadium, but his performances and morale could see a real upturn if Zubimendi's services are acquired."
Enquiry for Brazilian wonderkid
Alongside aims to bring in players ready to make an immediate impact; signing young talent for the future is also an aim, with Tuttomercatoweb claiming that Palmeiras starlet Vitor Reis is being eyed up by Arsenal and that contact has already been made, though they may face competition from Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old defender has already made 21 appearances for the Brazilian club and also has two goals to his name.
football.london says: "It looks as though another exciting talent has come through the ranks at Palmeiras, with that clearly evidenced by interest from both Arsenal and Real Madrid.
"While Arteta is clearly more focused on signing players for the now, it is important not to neglect the future even though he has built a young squad in north London. Judging by the number of academy players who have sought first-team opportunities elsewhere, developing younger players is clearly not an immediate priority.
"It is also worth Arteta being cautious, given the addition of younger South American players can be very hit or miss, with Marquinhos and Gabriel Martinelli as the best examples of exactly that."
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