Arsenal latest: Interest in Real Madrid star emerges as Gunners could bank double windfall

Arsenal could be in line for some business in the January transfer window to strengthen their position in the Premier League title race

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing reinforcements in the January transfer window as they aim to keep their grip on the Premier League title race.

The Gunners held onto the top spot at the start of the year following a convincing 4-1 triumph over Aston Villa on Tuesday. The north Londoners have now been sitting pretty at the summit for 12 consecutive weeks, with Manchester City appearing to be their only serious rival for the title.

Mikel Arteta's squad has been further strengthened by the recent return from injury of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes. However, the opening of the winter transfer window could offer Arteta the chance to further enhance his squad as Arsenal continue their campaign on all four fronts. We now bring you two of the biggest stories from the Emirates Stadium.

Real Madrid player in sight

Despite having a well-stocked midfield, Arteta is not one to pass up an opportunity to add quality to his squad, especially with a Premier League title at stake. While January is expected to be a quiet month for the Gunners, they are reportedly keeping tabs on Real Madrid's Arda Guler - a player they've previously shown interest in.

CaughtOffside reports that the Turkish prodigy is highly regarded by Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy, who are hoping to negotiate a deal to sign the 20-year-old this month. However, the report suggests that the Spanish heavyweights have no plans to let go of the midfielder.

Though it's uncertain whether Real Madrid would entertain offers for the talented youngster, manager Xabi Alonso has made no secret of his admiration. The 44-year-old showered Guler with praise earlier in the campaign, highlighting his importance to the squad.

Speaking about the Turkish midfielder's abilities, Alonso said: "With his quality, he's a mix between Özil and Guti. Guti had that vision and finesse to link play or operate closer to goal, and with Mesut I enjoyed football so much. Arda has that something special - that natural talent you can't teach."

Potential January bonus

Whilst Arsenal aren't anticipated to splash significant cash this January, the club could pocket some unexpected funds courtesy of two cleverly negotiated sell-on agreements. Nuno Tavares and Brooke Norton-Cuffy are the duo who might deliver a mid-season financial boost for the north Londoners.

Left-back Tavares, now at Lazio, secured a permanent switch to the Italian capital last summer for approximately £7.5million following an initial loan period. That transaction included a sell-on provision reportedly worth 25% of any future fee, though Italian media suggest the figure could reach 35%.

The Portuguese defender may be on the move again this month, with Lazio in discussions with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad. As for Norton-Cuffy, presently featuring for Genoa, Arsenal ensured they'd benefit from any future sale when negotiating his £1.75million transfer, plus an additional £1.75million in add-ons, to the Italian side in August 2024.

The 21-year-old Englishman is reportedly on the radar of Juventus and Inter Milan. A potential transfer could boost Arsenal's financial strength, providing further cause for celebration in north London as they continue their pursuit of the title.