Arsenal are believed to be interested in signing a central midfielder in the January transfer window, football.london understands.
The Gunners have started the season incredibly well and currently sit top of the Premier League table. A win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening would ensure Mikel Arteta's side remain top at Christmas, and being there would send out a clear message to fellow title challengers Manchester City.
An area of the pitch where Arsenal are believed to be interested in strengthening is central midfield. Two names linked with the Gunners are Leicester City star Youri Tielemans and Palmeiras' Danilo.
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Now, a report by 90Min claims the north Londoners are eying a double swoop for both Tielemans and Danilo in the January transfer window. The report claims that Arteta is looking to bolster his squad with quality and depth in the winter market, adding that the midfield is a main priority.
The Gunners were heavily linked with making a move for Tielemans last summer, and it's thought the Belgium star is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium with his contract up in 2023. However, football.london reported in the summer, before the transfer window closed, that Arsenal were prepared to wait until Tielemans’ current contract expires to secure the 25-year-old on a free transfer.
There has been interest from the likes of Newcastle United and Manchester United for Tielemans, but the Gunners have had an agreement with the player in place for some time and are confident of tying him down to a contract next summer, when he will be available for free.
With Danilo, football.london understands Edu is a long-term admirer of the 21-year-old and was interested in bringing the youngster to north London in the summer. A deal failed to materialise, however, but it's understood Arsenal remain keen on the midfielder and could go back in for him in January. It's believed Palmeiras value Danilo at around £20million.
Of course a lot can change between now and the January transfer window, mainly due to the World Cup in Qatar being played mid-season. But, judging by Arteta's comments after Arsenal's 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton on Wednesday, the Spaniard is keen for reinforcements.
Asked if his side need to strengthen in January, Arteta said: "That’s the squad that we have and we have to utilise in the best possible way and today we came short, especially because we didn’t do what we have to do in both boxes to win a football match. We paid that price."
"It’s the same squad as when we win," he added. "I said from day one that we have a short squad because at the end we left some players. It’s what we have.
"If everyone’s available and no one is injured we are OK, but the moment there is, we know what it is. It’s nothing new. I think I said it the first day after the transfer window."
Whether Arteta is granted his transfer wish by Edu remains to be seen. But with Arsenal mounting a serious title challenge, the extra reinforcements would certainly be welcomed.
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