Just days remain before the January transfer window officially opens for business.
Already there seems as though there is going to be plenty of business conducted across Europe.
With league titles and the Champions League set to be decided in the second half of the season, some of the continent’s top clubs will be looking to strengthen ahead of a crucial period.
With that in mind, here is the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip from across Europe.
Arteta phones Arsenal target
New Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has phoned Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot to discuss a January transfer, FootMercato states.
The France international moved to Turin on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain but has found it difficult to nail down a regular starting berth in Maurizio Sarri’s side.
Everton are also said to be keen on the midfielder but Arsenal are reported to have made the first move, with Raul Sanllehi and Arteta both ‘validating’ the player as a target.
Leicester man on the move
Leicester City winger Rachid Ghezzal could be on the move again in the January transfer window, according to reports cited by Leicestershire Live .
The Algeria international is spending the campaign on loan with Fiorentina in Serie A but has struggled to make an impression, with Atalanta now reportedly set to make a move to save him from his struggles in Florence.
Atalanta are keen to bolster their side for their ventures into the knockout stages of the Champions League and Ghezzal is an option that they are considering.
West Ham to hijack transfer
West Ham are looking to hijack Napoli’s push to sign Celta Vigo midfielder Stanislav Lobotka in January, according to Il Mattino via Sport Witness .
The La Liga side are prepared to sell in January, demanding a price of around €27m, and West Ham are in the front of the queue, with Napoli keen on a loan with an option for a permanent deal in the summer.
However, relationships between West Ham and Celta Vigo are poor, with it being suggested the Hammers’ interest is being used to drive up the price Napoli will have to pay.
Arsenal told Lemar price
Arsenal will have to lodge an ‘important offer’ in order to snatch Thomas Lemar from Atletico Madrid’s clutches in January, according to AS via the Mirror .
The report states Arsenal are looking to bolster their ranks by signing a winger in January and the Gunners have held long-term interest in the France international, stretching back to his time with Monaco.
However, Atletico Madrid are only willing to part ways with the 24-year-old if Arsenal offer a significant amount of money for Lemar.
