Despite the constant circulation encapsulating the future of former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal have enjoyed a very strong run-up to Christmas.
Mikel Arteta’s side blitzed Sunderland 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium to storm into the semi-finals of the League Cup, where they will meet Liverpool.
The hammering of the Black Cats means the Gunners will enjoy their Turkey and Christmas Pudding, sitting in the Champions League places, and on course for another piece of silverware.
January could prove to be a defining month for the north Londoners both on the pitch and off the pitch.
And as the January transfer window edges closer, Mirror Football considers the latest rumours circulating around the Emirates Stadium.
Serie A trio eye Aubameyang
Serie A sides Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan have reportedly entered the race to sign Aubameyang.
The forward appears surplus to requirements at Arsenal having seen Arteta strip him off the captaincy and not include him in Arsenal’s last four matches.
Arteta has been reluctant to include the former Borussia Dortmund star in his last four matchday squads, ever since he was disciplined for allegedly returning from an authorised trip abroad late.
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And reports from ESPN have claimed Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan have all expressed an interest in signing the Gabonese star.
It is believed, the Italian giants would prefer to loan the striker instead of purchase him permanently, due to his enormous weekly salary.
Aubameyang was recently linked with a move to Barcelona, however, the Catalans’ reportedly imminent purchase of Manchester City star Ferran Torres may have thrown those chances into doubt.
Kolasinac offered exit
Forgotten Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac has been linked with a surprise move to Premier League strugglers Watford.
The Bosnian has only made two Premier League appearances all season, one of those being the disastrous 5-0 away pummelling at the hands of Manchester City in August.
And the former Schalke 04 left-back could be on his way across the capital to Watford, according to The Telegraph.
Claudio Ranieri is desperately looking for new, experienced faces to refresh a side who is treading water, just two points above the relegation zone.
Kolasinac only has six months left on his Arsenal deal; therefore, January will be the club’s last chance if they are to sell him for a transfer fee.
Coutinho “seduced” by Tottenham
Arsenal were handed a blow in the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho, as the Brazilian is “seduced” by a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Catalans are desperately trying to shift the former Liverpool star who set them back a staggering £142m.
Coutinho is currently the highest earning player at the club and removing him from their wages expenditure would go a long way in their quest to strengthen in January.
However, Spurs are one of the front runners to sign him as reports from Mundo Deportivo (via Sports Witness ) claimed he is “seduced” by the prospect of signing for Antonio Conte’s side.
Reports from Sport have also stated Arsenal expressed an interest in signing the 29-year-old, who seems destined to leave Xavi’s side.
Coutinho has allegedly turned down advances from Newcastle United, while Everton are also believed to be working on a potential move for the Brazilian.
