Arsenal Round-Up: Leading race for Spanish winger, Battle for French centre-back, Dutch midfielder on the radar

Arsenal started negotiations with €40m-rated La Liga forward

Arsenal are keen on bolstering their squad in the winter with a keen focus on attacking wingers. Yeremy Pino is a potential target, as the London giants keep tabs on the Villarreal star ahead of the next window. The Spanish coach has steered the Gunners to the top of the PL table and cemented their status as title contenders after 11 matchdays.

Arsenal are not clear favourite as Man City continues to close in from behind. While Arsenal have been free of key injuries, a few knocks to Zinchenko and Partey earlier in the season exposed their vulnerability. As for the latter, the Gunners are keen on signing Palmeiras midfielder Danilo in January.

Another big concern for Mikel Arteta is the lack of wide attacking positions. Martinelli and Saka have had a flying start to their campaign, but there’s a visible lack of cover for those young stars. Marquinhos and Nelson are not deemed good enough to replace them, meaning a dip into the transfer market looks necessary.

Arsenal hierarchy, including the owners, are open to backing Mikel Arteta in the winter window. The Spanish coach might get a sizeable budget to bolster his squad and push for a PL title push. Pino seems like an achievable target.

The report suggests the Gunners could sign both Pino and Mudryk in the window, along with a midfielder. If those footballers come in, it makes the London giants a contender for the title, as Mikel Arteta would have plenty of squad depth to match their rivals.

Arsenal held negotiations with 23-year-old Bundesliga defender

Arsenal have done plenty of homework on Tottenham target Evan Ndicka as they weigh up a winter move. Well, the 23-year-old centre-back represents a very promising market chance for somebody in 2023, as Eintracht Frankfurt are believed to be willing to sell for only £7m.

Evan is in the final campaign of his deal with the German side, and those at the Bundesliga giants have slapped the £7m price tag on the player’s head amid fears of losing him for nothing in July. Spurs are also interested in Ndicka. There’s a lot of interest in the player, not just from the Premier League but from all across Europe as well.

However, it looks Antonio Conte will face serious competition from Mikel Arteta, as Arsenal have researched the French centre-back extensively. So far this campaign, the Frenchman has played 18 games in all tournaments for the Bundesliga giants, after helping them win the Europa League last term.

Tottenham aren’t the only side Arsenal need to fend off in the battle to add Evan. Jose Mourinho is also keen to sign Ndicka when the transfer window opens, as he aims to bolster his back-line at Roma. However, the 59-year-old is also eyeing Everton colossus Yerry Mina as an alternative.

West Ham United are admirers of the French centre-back as well. Be sure to keep an eye on this situation going into 2023, as Evan Ndicka could end up being the bargain of the year at just £7m.

Arsenal interested in signing No.7 creative Eredivisie playmaker

PSV playmaker Xavi Simons has been linked with a move away from the club and PL giants Arsenal and Liverpool have been tipped as possible destinations. Arsenal and Liverpool are looking to improve their midfield options and they have identified U21 Netherlands international as a possible target.

It is no secret that the Reds need to bring in midfield reinforcements soon. The likes of Henderson and Milner are past their peak. Keita, Thiago and Oxlade-Chamberlain have had persistent injury problems since joining the club.

Bringing in a quality midfielder like Xavi should be a top priority for the club this summer. The report adds that the German manager is a fan of Simons and his technical abilities. Meanwhile, the Gunners are looking to add depth to the side as well, and it will be interesting to see how they fit Simons into the starting lineup if the move comes off.

The Dutch playmaker has been a crucial figure for Eredivisie giants this campaign and he has 10 goals and four assists across all competitions. Naturally an attacking midfielder, the Dutchman can operate as a central midfielder as well.

The Gunners already have footballers like Odegaard and Smith Rowe operating in that role and the Spanish manager might find it difficult to give the 19-year-old playmaker regular starts at Arsenal. In theory, a move to Liverpool makes more sense for the youngster and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.