With Arsenal missing out on Dusan Vlahovic, Mikel Arteta’s side still have plenty of work to do to strengthen up front and in midfield as the transfer window draws to a close
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Arteta gives update on Arsenal’s transfer plans ahead of Deadline Day
Arsenal have succeeded in offloading some of their fringe players during the January transfer window, but the Gunners have had less luck when it comes to bringing in targets across the pitch.
Sead Kolasinac has made a permanent exit, while the likes of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Pablo Mari have left on loan, but attacking target Dusan Vlahovic looks poised to turn down the London side and move to Juventus.
Manager Mikel Arteta has travelled to the United States to meet with owner Stan Kroenke, with time running out for Arsenal to complete prospective deals before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.
Here, Mirror Football looks at the latest Arsenal transfer news as Arteta’s team continue their striker chase while dealing with competition from Newcastle United for a midfield target.
Who should Arsenal sign before the January transfer window shuts? Have your say in the comments section
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AFP via Getty Images)
Diego Costa decision close
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa had been linked with Arsenal after leaving Atletico Mineiro, but it is looking increasingly likely that the Spain international will move to Serie A.
Salernitana have been linked with the 33-year-old, who won two Premier League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge, and their sporting director Walter Sabatini has spoken about the potential deal.
“Diego Costa is a matter still in movement, a miracle could happen, but so far it has not happened,” Sabatini told TuttoSalernitana.com. (via Football Italia), though reports from Italy suggest the player is close to agreeing terms with the relegation battlers.
Arsenal reportedly opened talks with Costa earlier in the month, amid uncertainty over the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but they may now be forced to look elsewhere.
Salernitana, who are captained by former Bayern Munich and France winger Franck Ribery, currently sit bottom of Serie A with just three wins all season.
Newcastle in for Arsenal target Guimaraes
Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has emerged as a target for Newcastle United, though the French club have said a deal is far from done.
The Athletic reports that the Brazilian is set for a medical with the Magpies after a £30m fee was agreed, but Lyon have issued an angry denial.
“In this transfer window period where the slightest rumour is often presented as reality, Olympique Lyonnais reminds that only information officially released by the club is to be taken into consideration,” the statement read.
Guimaraes, who moved to France from Atletico Paranaense in January 2020, has been on the radar of a number of English clubs, with Arsenal mentioned as potential suitors throughout the window.
“We’re looking at a huge list of names,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said in a recent transfer update.
“But even when the list is big, it still doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed to get one of those players over the line because you’ve got to remember this is, in my opinion, the best league in the world.”
Osimhen emerges as Vlahovic alternative
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With a move for Dusan Vlahovic off the table, Arsenal have reportedly begun looking into a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport and Football Italia, the Gunners and Premier League rivals Newcastle are both in the mix for the Nigerian, who moved to Serie A for €70m in summer 2020.
Former Lille man Osimhen scored 10 goals in the Italian top flight last season, and his nine in all competitions this term includes a brace against Leicester City in the Europa League.
The 23-year-old was named in Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations but withdrew before the tournament began.
According to the reports, Napoli would not be prepared to sell at a loss, with the reported fee for the striker representing a similar amount to that which Arsenal were prepared to pay for Vlahovic.
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