One of the positions Arsenal feel they need more depth in is central midfield, with Palmeiras midfielder Danilo and Leicester City's Youri Tielemans their main transfer targets. Following injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, the Gunners enquired about Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz but saw three bids rejected, with the Brazilian signing a new long-term contract.
In what is a surprise to many, Mikel Arteta's side are in a title race, and they currently sit top of the Premier League, five points clear of reigning champions Manchester City having won 12 of their 14 league games so far this season.
With the domestic season now paused with many Arsenal stars heading to the World Cup, Edu and Arteta can begin to make significant plans for their January business.
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Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhaylo Mudryk is arguably the biggest acquisition the Gunners could make, especially following recent developments, which have included the Ukrainian club upping their price tag for Mudryk significantly, along with the 21-year-old himself revealing.
Arsenal are hoping they won't need to endure these kinds of negotiations for Tielemans as football.london has previously reported the Gunners are waiting for his Foxes contract to expire so they can sign him without paying a fee.
That transfer plan may have been dealt a blow however, as Real Madrid are now reportedly in the race for the signature of Tielemans.
While Tielemans is the main target for the Gunners, SPORT, are reporting that Madrid are hopeful of signing Jude Bellingham, especially after comments made by Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke. He claimed talks would begin regarding his future after the World Cup. The Belgian midfielder is said to be their first alternative if they lose out on Bellingham.
The interest of the European champions can significantly impact Arsenal's pursuit of Tielemans as Madrid would be able to agree a deal with a pre-contract because they are a club outside of England.
Madrid signing Tielemans is, of course, their second option as they would prefer Bellingham, but understandably given the teenager's exploits in Germany, he is wanted by many top European clubs.
Arsenal's Premier League rivals Chelsea, can have a hefty say in this transfer battle. They are very interested in Bellingham, and by beating Madrid in that race, it may leave Tielemans in a difficult boat regarding his future with both Arsenal and Madrid, then hoping to acquire his services.
The Spanish giants would however, be in the driving seat given they can arrange a pre-contract agreement before the 26-year-old contract expires, making Chelsea a significant part in this possible transfer battle which had seemed relatively straightforward for the last few months.
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