Arsenal’s hopes of completing a January swoop for RB Salzburg winger Dominik Szoboszlai have suffered a blow with rumours in Germany linking partner club RB Leipzig with a move.
The Bundesliga club are said to be considering a €20 million (£17.8m) offer for the Hungarian international according to reports from Bild .
The two clubs have a long-standing relationship over player transfers in recent seasons with Naby Keita, Dayot Upamecano and Konrad Laimer all swapping Austria for Germany since 2016.
If Julian Nagelsmann pushes ahead with his interest in the highly rated Szoboszlai, who netted nine goals from 27 league games last season, the former Hoffenheim boss looks certain to get him, with Arsenal left disappointed.
Missing out on Szoboszlai could push Mikel Arteta to reopen his search for midfield playmaking options in 2021, and we look at who the Spaniard could move for in January.
Houssem Aouar
Lyon star Aouar was constantly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the 2020/21 season, after playing a starring role in their run to the Champions League semi-finals this summer.
The French international has picked up where he left off in 2019/20, with two goals and one assist in Ligue 1, and Arsenal will continue to keep a close eye on the 22-year old.
A deal was ultimately derailed during the summer window due to Arsenal’s unwillingness to exceed their £35m valuation of him with Lyon determined to hold out for £46m.
Lyon are aware that Arsenal remain interested in their star asset, but with Aouar contracted at the club until 2023, Andre Villas-Boas is under no immediate pressure to sell unless Arsenal increase their offer.
Christopher Nkunku
Arsenal were rumoured to be tracking French U21 international Nkunku before his 2019 move from PSG to RB Leipzig.
The 22-year old has become a key man in Nagelsmann’s midfield in Germany, however, a potential move for Szoboszlai could trigger a reactive bid from Arteta for Nukunku.
Both players are flexible to playing in a No.10 role or out wide, and with Kevin Kampl, Dani Olmo and Tyler Adams mainstays in Nagelsmann’s plans, one of them could be forced into a squad role.
Reports from HITC claim Arsenal are already actively monitoring Nkunku as a backup to Szoboszlai, with a £36m offer being considered by Arteta.
Any move for Nkunku could hinge on the futures of Szoboszlai and Aouar, but he remains an intriguing option for the Gunners.
Nicolo Barella
Arsenal are set to battle it out with rivals Manchester United to sign Inter Milan schemer Nicolo Barella according to The Sun
Barella joined Antonio Conte’s side ahead of the 2020/21 campaign after completing a loan to buy deal from Cagliari.
The Italian international has surprisingly emerged as a key player for Conte this season, featuring regularly in both Serie A and Champions League action.
Inter are reportedly aware of growing Premier League interest in the 23-year old, and despite having three and a half years left on his contract, they are looking to offer him an improved deal.
If Conte can tie him to a new contract that will end any transfer speculation, but if Barella sees Inter as a stepping stone, Arsenal could be prepared to test the water with a bid.
Hakan Calhanoglu
AC Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is out of contract at the San Siro at the end of the current campaign and the Serie A giants are yet to confirm an agreement over an extension.
The Turkish international has played a vital role for Stefano Pioli’s side in the last 18 months, netting nine goals in 35 league appearances last season.
He has kept his place in the side this season, with Milan currently leading Serie A, but the lack of progress in his contract talks hints at a possible exit next summer.
Calhanoglu’s future is likely to be decided in early 2021, but if he indicates a desire to leave Milan, Arsenal could enter the race to sign him on a free transfer.
