Arsenal are edging ever closer to their competitive return to action as Mikel Arteta continues to put the hard work in with his Premier League leaders.
Sporting director Edu is also working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the Gunners have the best chance of signing their top targets next month, with Arsenal are now said to be taking a keen interest in two teenage defenders. Elsewhere, however, all hope of signing PSV hotshot Cody Gakpo seems like a distant memory following the latest round of reports.
Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest transfer stories coming out of Emirates Stadium…
Arsenal want Juventus sensation
In one of the more surprising reports ahead of the January transfer window, Arsenal are said to be interested in signing Juventus defender Dean Huijsen.
The Gunners seem intent on bolstering their attacking options following the long-term injury to Gabriel Jesus but it seems that one eye is also on defensive reinforcements, with the Dutch teenager being linked with a move to north London.
That’s according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, which states that the 17-year-old is known as a set-piece specialist with a knack for taking penalties. Compared to Dutch international Matthijs de Ligt, Huijsen could be the next young star to join the long list of exciting products at the Hale End academy.
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Gunners join Fresneda queue
Arsenal are also said to be showing active interest in signing Real Valladolid full-back Ivan Fresneda in January as they aim to replace the outgoing Cedric.
The third-choice right back is closing in on a move to London rivals Fulham as a result of his lack of playing time this season and 18-year-old Fresneda, who has already been linked with Liverpool ahead of next month, could be brought in as his replacement.
Calciomercato reports that Valladolid are only open to letting Fresneda leave on a permanent basis and have valued the right-back at around £17million, although Arsenal’s priority of bringing in a new striker is unlikely to see them spend that sort of money on a defender next month.
Gakpo makes final decision
Arsenal have long been linked with a move for PSV star Gakpo but those hopes have all but diminished after it was revealed he is ‘already convinced’ of joining Manchester United instead.
The Red Devils have been providing tough competition with the Gunners in capturing the Netherlands ace but Arteta’s side have never been completely out of the running. Following his remarkable goal and assist contributions already this season, Gakpo would be the perfect replacement for Jesus.
However, Give Me Sport claims that Gakpo is ‘already convinced of the idea of joining’ United in the January transfer window after becoming impressed by the coaching methods of his Dutch compatriot Erik Ten Hag during his short spell at Old Trafford this season.
