Arsenal 'enquire' about £84m star embroiled in contract saga
Arsenal are reportedly one of three Premier League clubs to enquire about Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz.
The young Turkish star was named in Serie A's team of the season last year and has a reputation for being one of the best young players around.
He already boasts six goals and four assists in 16 appearances this season. Italian outlet Tuttosport have claimed Yildiz has stalled on whether he wants a new contract, prompting Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool to make "numerous phone calls" about a potential move.
Real Madrid are also understood to be of interest to the 20-year-old, who is valued at around £84million.
Arsenal's current injury list
Heading into the January transfer window, it's important to remember Arsenal's current injury list. Considering these can often inform a transfer strategy, Football London has a look at the areas the Gunners are currently thin in heading into the clash with Aston Villa.
Riccardo Calafiori - will miss the clash against Villa after a very 'awkward' pain. "It's something that he felt yesterday, something very awkward that happened, and today in the warm-up he wasn’t comfortable," Arteta said.
Jurrien Timber - picked up a training injury from an awkward fall before the Brighton game. Looks set to be absent against Villa.
Kai Havertz - closer to fitness but still expected to miss Villa game
Ben White - dealing with a hamstring injury which struck him down against Wolves
Cristhian Mosquera - Missed the last six matches with an ankle injury
Max Dowman - The 15-year-old is understood to be out with an ankle injury of his own
Tottenham transfer battle
Arsenal may face competition with Tottenham Hotspur for Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder has been in impressive form for the Belgians.
So much so his former club Inter Milan are considering exercising their buy-back clause before selling him on for more money in the summer. It is then Arsenal and Tottenham will be waiting in the wings, as Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport understand both London clubs have made initial contact for the midfielder.
Arsenal currently have Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Mikel Merino as defensive options, but the latter has starred as a makeshift centre-forward while Rice had to fill in in defence against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Mikel Arteta's transfer message
In his pre-match press conference before the home battle against Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta urged the club to be active in the January transfer window.
He said: "The window is there. We're Arsenal and we have to be actively looking at it like 'Okay, what do we need' and we have to be actively looking.' Can we do it or not? That's a different story.
"We always have to be prepared because something could happen. Hopefully it will be very positive."
Andrea Berta's £17m plot
Andrea Berta is understood to be plottin a £17million move for Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a strong breakout season for the La Liga side.
In November, it was claimed by the Telegraph the Spaniard has a £17m release clause in his contract. With Arsenal looking for more strength in depth, Berta reportedly believes Mendoza has the technicality to thrive in the Premier League.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri once identified Mendoza as a rising star in Spain. It's also understood by Sky Sports Mendoza is firmly on Arsenal's radar as a potential understudy for Martin Zubimendi.
Good morning Arsenal fans
Good morning Arsenal fans. The January transfer window is fast approaching and already there are plenty of rumours to get your teeth into.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta already appears to be pursuing some big targets, while Mikel Arteta also had a message for the powers that be at the club.
Stay with us at football.london for all the latest rumours.