Arsenal transfer news: 'Agreement reached' for move as £56m discussions opened

Arsenal are looking to make changes to their squad during the January transfer window

Arsenal currently sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with two weeks remaining to strengthen Mikel Arteta's squad in their bid for the title.

Both Manchester City and Aston Villa dropped points over the weekend, while a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest nudged the Gunners one point further ahead.

Having splashed out approximately £250million in the summer, Arsenal are not anticipated to be particularly active this month, but could make a move if the right opportunity arises.

Players such as Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have been linked with loan moves away from the Emirates to gain more playing time, but no departures have been confirmed yet.

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Arsenal may approve transfers for several peripheral players, while Arteta faces a significant decision regarding Oleksandr Zinchenko.

With this in mind, football.london has rounded up the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Gunners.

Arsenal 'agreement reached'

De Telegraaf reports that Arsenal and Ajax have agreed terms for a loan move for Oleksandr Zinchenko. The 29-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at Nottingham Forest, but struggled to secure regular playing time.

The former Manchester City player was deemed surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium this summer and was given the go-ahead to join Forest.

The report suggests that Ajax are nearing an agreement for a loan deal for the Ukrainian international, who is expected to arrive in the Netherlands for a medical this week.

Zinchenko's contract with Arsenal is set to expire at the end of this season, and it seems likely he'll depart the club. Reports from Dutch media suggest Ajax may offer him a more extended deal.

Chelsea poised for £56m swoop on Arsenal target

Sky Sports reports that Chelsea are in discussions to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet this month, a player also admired by Arsenal.

The Ligue 1 side have reportedly set an asking price of £56m for the 20 year old centre-back and are currently negotiating with the Blues.

Liam Rosenior's team are keen to bolster their defensive line-up this month, and Arteta is also known to be a fan of the young defender. However, it appears Chelsea are about to deliver a significant blow by making a move for the promising defender, who was absent from Rennes' match against Le Havre due to suspension.