Arsenal transfer news and rumours: Gabriel Paulista in Gunners talks; Krystian Bielik deal set to be completed; Gonzalo Higuain blow
The biggest transfer news and speculation surrounding the Emirates
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ARSENAL ARRIVALS…
Arsenal appear to be chasing Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista after the centre-half claimed his agent is currently holding talks with the Gunners over a January transfer. Manager Arsene Wenger confirmed following the 2-0 victory over Manchester City that he remains in the hunt for a new centre-half to strengthen the current options of Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Calum Chambers, and 24-year-old Paulista looks to be on the verge of a move to the Premier League.
Speaking after Villarreal’s weekend victory over Athletic Bilbao, Paulista said: “Whether I go to Arsenal or stay at Villarreal, I won’t lose my head. I’m very calm. My head is at Villarreal and I’m very focused. My agent is working on making sure I continue being calm. Playing in the Premier League is one of my dreams,” he said. “I have spoken to my agent about this.”
Paulista would cost in the region of £5m plus add-ons, but one alternative option for the Gunners would be Valencia’s centre-back Nicolas Otamendi. The 26-year-old has been scouted by Arsenal in the past but The Mirror reports that the Spanish club would want a big offer in order to let him leave this season, with Manchester United also believed to be interested in the former Porto star.
Winston remains on Arsenals radar too, but West Ham are determined to hold on to the New Zealand international until at least the summer when his contract expires and are holding out for a reported £7m offer. The Mirror claims that Spurs want to sign Reid on a free transfer at the end of the season, but the Gunners could look to steal a march on their north London rivals by launching a bid in the next fortnight.
The move for Krystian Bielik is due to be completed this week after the 17-year-old Polish midfielder arrived in London on Friday to undergo a medical at the club's London Colney training base. Bielik, who will cost the Gunners £2.5m, looks set to go into Wenger's first-team plans despite his tender age and inexperience.
HEADING FOR THE EXIT…
The move for Paulista could result in one short-term departure for Arsenal with the La Liga club hoping to sign Joel Campbell on loan until the end of the season. The Costa Rican international has found his chances limited so far this season after a strong World Cup and The Guardian claims he could head to Spain once again, having spent the 2012-13 season with Real Betis. Campbell is also believed to be a target of David Moyes’ Real Sociedad, but Wenger has already said that he doesn’t want to let the 22-year-old leave after allowing Lukas Podolski and Yaya Sanogo to go out on loan.
MISSING OUT?
Arsenal’s interest in Paris St-Germain striker Edinson Cavani could be rivalled by European champions Real Madrid, who are reported to be considering a move to sign the Uruguayan striker as a replacement for Karim Benzema. The Daily Express claims that Real would allow Benzema to join Liverpool in a deal worth £40m, which would raise the funds for a move for Cavani that would cost in excess of £50m.
Gonzalo Higuain has also clarified his future after insisting that he is “happy” at Napoli and will not be looking to leave the club this month. The Argentinian ace has been linked with both Liverpool and the Gunners, but Higuain has committed his future to the Seria A club by saying: "I am happy here. I have a contract here."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments