Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri outlines stance on sealing permanent Marseille transfer
Ethan Nwaneri has confirmed he will return to Arsenal following the completion of his Marseille loan - but he hasn't ruled out the prospect of a permanent transfer, either. The England U21 international joined OM on loan for the remainder of the campaign last month and also netted just 13 minutes into his debut, scoring in a 3-1 victory over Lens.
Nwaneri took questions from the media at a press conference on Monday ahead of the club's French Cup Round of 16 clash against Stade Rennes. He was asked about his future, the exclusion of a buy-option clause and whether that definitely means he'll return to Arsenal, to which he replied: "Yes, that's true, anything is possible in football.
"We'll see what happens. We'll see if there's any contact. I can't tell you what will happen. We'll see when it happens."
Sandro Tonali - Tom Canton
Well, transfer deadline day really didn't deliver (yet) what many had hoped especially after Mikel Merino is out injured.
Hardly surprising considering the timing and the nature of the winter window, but Arteta did all he can to keep the interest alive.
On Tonali. Do Arsenal like the player? Well, yes, in the same way they like loads of very good players. Was there any chance of a move this window? No. Newcastle would never sell, nor could I see Arsenal affording the price. Doesn't rule out a move in the future when a move would be more feasible.
Arsenal make enquiry over Leon Goretzka
As per talkSPORT, Arsenal have enquired about the availability of Bayern Munich midfielder, Leon Goretzka. The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is set to leave his current club.
Howeverm a move for the German national at this time remains unlikely.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's time at Arsenal
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was one of the highest rated young players in European football when Arsenal signed him from Crystal Palace. In 2011, he became the youngest English goalscorer in the Champions League when he found the net in a group-stage match.
Six years later, he left to join Liverpool in a £35million deal, where he became a key midfielder for Jurgen Klopp. With the Ox potentially returning to Arsenal again, here are his key statistics at the Emirates Stadium:
Appearances - 198
Goals - 20
Assists - 28
Trophies: three FA Cups and three Community Shields
Arsenal already have ideal Mikel Merino replacement as Mikel Arteta gives cryptic response
Mikel Arteta has not ruled out signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a short-term replacement for the injured Mikel Merino. The former Gunners star has been training with the under-21s for the last few months to build up his fitness, but he did featured in a first-team session in late January.
The 32-year-old has been without a club since leaving Besiktas last summer with Arteta offering a four-word response to whether or not he is an option.
When asked about potentially offering him a contract, Arteta simply responded: "We explore every option." Oxlade-Chamberlain could be the perfect solution for Arsenal with Merino expected to miss a significant period with a foot issue in the defeat to Manchester United that requires surgery.
BREAKING: Tottenham agree deal for James Wilson
Tottenham Hotspur have won the race to sign James Wilson from Hearts.
As per Record Sport, the 18-year-old will travel to north London this afternoon to put pen to paper on a loan deal with the Lilywhites until season's end. It comes despite Arsenal holding talks with the Scottish titants for a potential loan deal of their own pertaining to the striker.
Arsenal transfer contact confirmed as manager breaks silence
Hearts manager Derek McInnes has confirmed that Arsenal have made contact with the club regarding a possible move for teenage forward James Wilson. The Gunners are looking to add more strength and firepower to the Under 21s before Monday's 7pm deadline and Wilson, 18, has been identified as a target.
The 2007-born striker is rated high at Hearts and has scored twice in 10 appearances across all competitions this season.
"Always active" says Arteta
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Spaniard said: "We are always active in every window. We had the departure of Ethan [Nwaneri] to Marseille for the right reasons, and then the news of Mikel [Merino] was very surprising. My day will be a bit busier than usual."
Hearts boss confirms James Wilson contact
Speaking to Sky Sports Scotland about James Wilson, Derek McInnes said: "I think there was conversation with Arsenal yesterday. They called and spoke to Graeme [Jones] but there's been nothing since from Arsenal on any deal. I heard Tottenham as well, but Tottenham have had no discussions with us directly, so who knows?"
He added: "Would we see the benefit of a loan? Potentially, yes."
Arsenal signing odds
Arsenal are 13/10 to make one or more first-team signing before Monday's 7pm deadline, according to Betfair.
The Gunners are pushing to sign a replacement for Mikel Merino after the midfielder sustained a foot injury and Sandro Tonali is among those that has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta on transfers
Mikel Arteta has hinted that Arsenal could sign a replacement for Mikel Merino before Monday's 7pm transfer deadline.
Speaking in his pre-Chelsea press conferece, Arteta said: "Of course. When you lose a big player in the squad when you're in four competitions you need to do everything you can to see if someone is available. If not, we move on."
Latest Tyjon bid
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Arsenal have made their fourth bid for Blackburn Rovers young striker Igor Tyjon.
It's believed that Arsenal have offered just over £1million for a deadline day transfer. The bid is the second by the Gunners in the January transfer window.
Tyjon, 17, has made three first-team appearances for Blackburn but has attracted interest from across the Premier League.
More on Wilson
Now, the Scottish Sun have reported that James Wilson to Arsenal would be a loan to the club's Under 21s with NO option to buy.
It's viewed that the move would effectively be a trial for a youngster who is not getting regular game time at Hearts. But Arsenal's approach has sparked interest from other clubs across England and Scotland.
Wilson fee
Hearts want £8million to sanction James Wilson's proposed transfer to Arsenal before Monday's 7pm deadline, according to journalist Fraser Fletcher.
Talks are ongoing around a potential deal that could see Wilson finish the season in Scotland or include a longer loan back to Hearts.
Wilson, 18, has scored two goals in 10 appearances for the runaway Scottish Premiership leaders this season.
Arsenal midfield latest
According to The Athletic, it's far more likely that Arsenal decide against signing a direct replacement for Mikel Merino before Monday's 7pm deadline.
The Gunners are looking into potential midfield reinforcements after it was confirmed that Merino would need surgery after suffering a foot injury in last month's defeat to Manchester United.
There is an anticipation that Max Dowman could step into Merino's role until the end of the season. The club feel that the 16-year-old can make an impact on a regular basis, having made his breakthrough into the first-team back in August.
Guler tipped for Arsenal move
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Eboue has urged the Gunners to sign Arda Guler as a replacement for the injured Mikel Merino.
Eboue told Aceodds.com: "Arda Guler is a very good young player and he's played well for Real Madrid. But, the Premier League is not easy.
"If he comes to Arsenal, a team that likes to play possession football, Arda also likes that. He'd be a good fit for Arsenal but Arsenal already have a lot of midfielders.
"He has a great left foot and he can score, he can pass and Arsenal like that kind of a player."
Arsenal eye U21 signings
Arsenal are in talks with Hearts over a loan swoop for Scotland international striker James Wilson (18).
The idea would be that he'd come and provide extra power for the Gunners' U21s, who are struggling for results.
As reported by football.london, Arsenal have failed with a fresh bid for Blackburn Rovers prospect Igor Tyjon, who is a long-term target.
The offer was worth around £1m and has seen them pivot to Wilson as they are not expected to bid any higher given he's available (subject to compensation tribunal) in the summer.
There is also interest in St Mirren's teenage attacking midfielder Evan Mooney. A deal worth an initial £400k plus bonuses has been discussed.
Last minute loan signing
football.london understands Arsenal are weighing up a late loan move, with two domestic loan slots still available under Pemier League rules.
The club are also expected to assess options from overseas as the window closes. Ruben Neves is said to fit the type of experienced midfielder Arsenal admire, but at this stage he is not viewed as a realistic option.
Meanwhile, Lille talent Ayyoub Bouaddi is on their shortlist, with a full assessment planned for the end of the season.
Yan Diomande 'interest'
German outlet BILD reports that they are among several clubs showing interest in RB Leipzig prospect Yan Diomande.
Alongside Arsenal, both Liverpool and Man United are tracking the Ivorian, while Bayern Munich are also said to hold an interest. The German club are said to be growing irritated by the prospect of a bidding war with English sides, especially with Leipzig expected to seek more than £86m for Diomande. Bayern are reportedly unwilling to go that high.
Only time will reveal Diomande's next destination, but a January switch appears improbable, with a summer transfer viewed as the most likely scenario.
Nwaneri expected to stay at Marseille
Marseille club sources have confirmed to football.london that Ethan Nwaneri is due to speak at a press conference as planned this afternoon in France.
It pours further cold water on any suggestion the Gunners could yet recall the teenager following Mikel Merino's injury.
Arsenal's loan agreement does not include a break clause, anyway.
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