Arsenal transfer and news: Nolito bid made; Gunners monitor Saul Niguez; Nicklas Bendtner set for England return

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to step up his January business with a £13.4m bid for Celta Vigo forward Nolito. The 29-year-old is said to have a buy-out clause equalling that amount in his contract and has scored a respectable 35 goals in 84 appearances for the La Liga outfit since joining from Benfica in 2013. Nolito, a former Barcelona player, has been linked with a return to the Nou Camp in recent weeks. Wenger, however, wants to excite the occasionally jumpy fans at the Emirates as he launches their first credible Premier League title tilt in years. Mundo Deportivo report the Frenchman has stolen a march on his rivals but also states there is a long way to go.

The Gunners continue to endure frustration in their hunt to sign Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny. The Premier League leaders hoped to have a deal for the £7.4m-rated star sealed in the first week of January but have been disappointed by their progress. The North Londoners travel to face Liverpool on Wednesday night. Before that clash, Wenger said yesterday: “I believe many clubs will be active. It could be one of the most active windows ever,” admitted Wenger. We hope to have things done this week. I'm optimistic about the case. There are a lot of work permit problems and special paperwork on his visa. As long as it is not definitely signed you have to be cautious.”

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Leicester City’s young left-back Ben Chilwell will be offered a new contract to fight off interest from their title rivals. The 19-year-old has made just two competitive appearances for the Foxes but is considered by scouts the have a bright future ahead of him. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has shown an interest in the England under-20 international also. According to the Daily Telegraph, a £3.5m offer was rejected by Leicester from the Gunners last summer. Chilwell starred in the 2-2 FA Cup third round draw with Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, earning plaudits from commentators and pundits alike. The report suggests the Foxes ace is currently on just £800-per-week but the high-flying East Midlands outfit plan to reward him for his efforts this year.

Former Arsenal striker and internet sensation Nicklas Bendtner could be set for a return to England with Newcastle United. Reports by BILD suggest the Dane’s representatives have met with members of the St James’ Park hierarchy but an agreement is yet to be struck between the two parties. The former Birmingham City and Sunderland loanee has made bold claims he can be the best player in world football in the past, attracting derision from all quarters. The Wolfsburg forward has scored three goals in 28 appearances in Germany. Toon boss Steve McClaren has been informed by his seniors at the North East club that he can sign one top-class striker this month.

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Manchester United pose the greatest threat to the Gunners’ outside hopes of signing Atlético Madrid midfielder Saúl Ñíguez. The Daily Mirror say the 21-year-old is believed to have an £18m release clause written into his contract at the Vicente Calderón with Louis van Gaal looking for someone to inject some life into his season at United. Wenger is also keeping a close eye on the situation as Spaniard Ñíguez seemingly nears the exit in Spain. If he were to leave Atlético this month, the Elche-born star would become the fourth player to depart Diego Simeone’s men for England in the last two years – following Diego Costa, Felipe Luis and Toby Alderweireld.