Martin Zubimendi and Dusan Vlahovic have been linked with Arsenal (Image: Getty)
are expected to be busy in the second half of the January transfer window. The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move for Martin Zubimendi, a deal that is reportedly likely to happen in the summer, while Gabriel Jesus’s injury has accelerated plans for a new striker.
Several forwards have been linked with this month. is in desperate need of a new No. 9, having seen Jesus and struggle to find the net on a consistent basis.
Express Sport brings you the latest headlines from the Emirates Stadium.
Zubimendi U-turn
Reports in Spain have refuted strong claims that are close to agreeing a deal to sign Zubimendi this summer. report that the defensive midfielder has ‘grown tired’ of speculation in England over his future and he is solely interested in helping his current club, Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi has not committed to a club for next season, the report adds. He has interest from across Europe, including teams.
The Spain international U-turned on a switch to last summer. Could he be about to do the same to ?
Arsenal will reportedly sign Martin Zubimendi at the end of the season (Image: Getty)
Vlahovic bid
have reportedly accelerated plans to sign a forward this month after Gabriel Jesus suffered a season-ending ACL injury. According to the , Arteta has demanded a “project striker”, a player who can be developed into an elite No. 9.
Juventus star and long-term target Dusan Vlahovic is believed to be among the contenders for the role. The Serb was absent from Juve’s squad for their draw with Atalanta earlier this week and is reportedly a doubt for their clash with AC Milan this weekend.
“I do not talk about the transfer market,” head coach Thiago Motta said when asked about Vlahovic’s future.
“Dusan is recovering, he is not at 100 per cent and we cannot risk losing him for longer, so we’ll see what happens over the next three days.”
According to , have already made a loan bid for Vlahovic but it has already been rejected. It is claimed that a permanent offer is likelier to be accepted.
Lewandowski intervention
are widely reported to have monitored Ronald Araujo’s situation at Barcelona. The Uruguayan has only 18 months remaining on his contract with the Catalan club and there has been little development over a new deal.
Araujo has performed well despite the speculation over his future and helped Barca win the Spanish Super Cup with a victory over Real Madrid last weekend. Striker Robert Lewandowski was seen speaking to the defender after the game.
According to Spanish publication El Dia Despues, Lewandowski said: “Ronald, you have to stay…”