Arsenal have been in contact with one of the most sought after players in the January transfer window, David Ornstein has revealed.
Arteta shares striker update as Asenal prepare for Brighton
Arsenal could be boosted by the return of Kai Havertz on Saturday against Brighton.
The 26-year-old has not been seen since Arsenal’s first match of the season following surgery on his right knee.
“He (Havertz) was quite close and it will be a matter of days," Arteta said after the Gunners' Carabao Cup penalty-shootout triumph over Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
“Let’s see how he responds to the next step, but he is a player that we have missed a lot and a player who brings another dimension to the team. I will be very happy to have him back soon.”
Arsenal's Kai Havertz arrives at the stadium before the match
Gabriel Martinelli meanwhile faces a late fitness test ahead of the clash with the Seagulls. Martinelli was withdrawn in the second half against Palace after picking up a knee injury.
The Brazilian's inconistent form, particularly in the Premier League, has led to Arsenal seeking reinforcements in the final third ahead of the January transfer window.
Antoine Semenyo is the name on everyone's lips as we approach the winter window, with every club in the 'big six' eyeing the Bournemouth winger, and David Ornstein has now shared an update on Arsenal's interest.
Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring their first goal
Writing for The Athletic on Boxing Day, the reliable reporter revealed Andrea Berta has already made contact for the boyhood Gunner, and Arsenal staff have been amazed by Semenyo's development in recent years.
He says there is a "feeling Arsenal would have ranked as his first choice had they been firmly at the table", although Man City now lead the chase given their preference for a quick deal in January.
"The 25-year-old grew up as an Arsenal fan and was naturally interested in the prospect of a move to the Emirates.
"The admiration is mutual — Arsenal have been impressed by Semenyo’s rapid development at Bournemouth.
"While there was some contact between the parties, it was clear from the outset that Arsenal’s interest was on the basis of a summer move rather than January.
"With Semenyo eager to move soon, Manchester City now seem to have emerged as the player’s preferred choice."
Semenyo has a £65m release clause which can be activated by certian clubs in the early days of the window.
The versatile winger has scored eight times and provided three assists in 16 Premier League appearances this season.
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