Arsenal transfer news: Bid for Gabriel Martinelli heir as Chelsea talks continue

Liverpool are preparing a formal bid for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who Arsenal have monitored as a potential Gabriel Martinelli successor. Chelsea are also in talks for Jeremy Jacquet whilst Arda Guler interest emerges

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta looks set to complete two very different January deals in the coming days. The Gunners have had a relatively quiet January transfer window thus far, with any potential incomings likely to be offset by a departure.

With injury worries easing, Mikel Arteta is nearing a full-strength squad, which is expected to result in diminished game time for fringe players. Ethan Nwaneri is amongst those heading out, with a loan switch to Marseille on the cards.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is currently away from the club on a temporary basis, but his circumstances look likely to shift following candid comments from Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche and attention from another side. With all of that in mind, football.london has examined the latest Arsenal transfer news and speculation with less than a fortnight remaining in the January window.

Formal offer 'anticipated'

Liverpool are understood to be readying a concrete bid for Arsenal target Yan Diomande. RB Leipzig have made it clear to all suitors that discussions will only commence at €100million (£87m).

Caughtoffside suggest that Liverpool's pursuit is presently the most advanced. The Reds are anticipated to submit a formal offer in the months ahead and regard Diomande as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

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Arsenal have been tracking the player for two years and see him as a possible successor to Gabriel Martinelli. While internal talks have occurred, the club are reluctant to get drawn into an auction for his services.

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United are all understood to be keeping an eye on Diomande. Yet reports suggest that either their priorities lie elsewhere at present or they're unwilling to commit such substantial funds to seal a move.

Chelsea hijack

A fresh twist has emerged in Chelsea's pursuit of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, according to The Standard. Whilst terms have been agreed with the highly-rated defender, the two clubs have yet to settle on a transfer fee, leading to suggestions that Jacquet will remain in Ligue 1 for the rest of the season before completing a summer switch to Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move, while Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi has been floated as a possible alternative.

Guler latest

ESPN report that Real Madrid playmaker Arda Guler has caught Arsenal's attention. The Turkey international began the season as a key component in Xabi Alonso's midfield structure.

Madrid's choice not to pursue Martin Zubimendi was influenced in part by their belief in Guler's ability to excel in the centre of the park. But his minutes and form have dipped of late, and it's unclear what role awaits him under incoming boss Alvaro Arbeloa.

Nevertheless, Arsenal currently have no intention of making any major moves this window unless an outstanding opportunity arises in the closing fortnight. Any concrete interest in Guler would be far more probable in the summer.