Arsenal's search for a new anchor in midfield looks certain to progress into the January transfer window as Mikel Arteta's men look to bolster their Premier League title chances. The Gunners are top of the Premier League table with 37 points and find themselves involved in their first title battle since 2016.
Arteta's side have enjoyed a drastic improvement to their end-of-season form last term and have been firing on all cylinders prior to the World Cup. It's understood that the Gunners could delve into the January transfer window to boost their squad depth, and a midfielder has been highlighted as a priority.
Brazilian midfielder Danilo has been linked with a move to England for some time and saw their £21 million bid rejected on deadline day. However, recent reports have insisted that the same fee could be a suitable price for Palmeiras to accept next year.
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With technical director Edu set to wait for Youri Tielemans' contract at Leicester City to expire in the summer, more names have been linked with a move to the club as the January window approaches. And according to the Mirror, Vitoria Guimaraes's defensive midfielder Ibrahima Bamba is the latest figure named.
Bamba, 20, has adopted an ever-growing list of admirers this season after his breakthrough season in Portugal. The Italian-born became a part of Os Vimaranenses' side last season and has been a constant figure in the side this season - playing in midfield and, more recently, at centre-back.
Italian side Atalanta and Spaniards Villarreal have been credited with interest for Bamba. It's said that the Gunners are keeping tabs on his development and have requested to be kept in the loop regarding any progress in his future.
Despite being valued at around £26.5 million, Italian outlet TuttoSalernitana have claimed Serie A side Salernitana have been quoted a fee in the region of £5 million for Bamba. However, with PSG also in the race for his signature, it's likely the Liga NOS side will swiftly increase their asking price in the January window.
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