Arsenal’s only hope for a trophy this season may have ended against Liverpool and Mikel Arteta is looking to the future as he prepares for another busy end to the transfer window.
Mikel Arteta’s side lost 2-0 at home to Jurgen Klopp’s side in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi final.
The gulf in class between this season’s Premier League title contenders and Arteta’s young side was once again exposed by the Merseyside outfit.
The future remains a promising one for the north Londoners who will jump from seventh to fourth position if they are able to beat Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
But it is clear Arteta is not entirely satisfied with the options at his disposal, and with just over a week left of the January transfer window, the Spaniard is running out of time to strengthen his squad.
Ahead of the January 31 deadline, Mirror Football looks the latest rumours and gossip concerning the Gunners.
Arsenal talks over Arthur Melo advance
Arsenal are reportedly close to announcing the 18-month loan deal of Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Brazilian midfielder, who appears to be surplus to requirements at Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
Arteta has been looking to strengthen his options in midfield, as Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are his only experienced defensive midfielders.
And Italian outlet Tuttosport claims Arsenal have accepted Juventus’ terms and will soon proceed on the finishing touches of the deal.
Arthur’s agent is reportedly working hard on the deal which could see the 25-year-old's move announced as early as next week.
Melo initially arrived at Juventus from Barcelona in a deal worth a huge £66m, but he has been pushed down the pecking order at ‘The Old Lady’.
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Vlahovic saga a ‘delicate situation’
Arsenal have not given up hope on signing Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to reports.
In what has been one of the biggest transfer saga of the winter transfer window, the Gunners appear to be doing everything they can to bring the Serbian to the Emirates Stadium.
The 21-year-old has become one of the hottest properties in European football, having scored 17 goals and registered four assists in 21 Serie A appearances for La Viola.
And a report from The Athletic writer David Ornstein stated the Gunners are continuing their charm offensive for the Serbian, although it promises to be a 'delicate situation' with the window due to shut in just over a week.
West Ham in for Dominic Calvert-Lewin
West Ham have reportedly entered the race to sign Arsenal transfer target Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Before the Gunners shifted their attention to Vlahovic, Arteta was believed to be interested in the Everton forward.
While injuries have restricted him to just six appearances in the Premier League, the 24-year-old Englishman has still managed to contribute three goals for the Toffees.
And The Sun claim that his performances have garnered the attention of David Moyes, who is believed to be very interested in the England international.
However, his purported £60m price tag could prove to be too much of a stumbling block for the east London club.
While he is perhaps no longer Arsenal’s top transfer target, the Gunners’ prior interest in his services suggest he could very well be a potential alternative to Vlahovic.
