Arsenal have been given a boost ahead of the January transfer window with key defensive target Mats Hummels reportedly looking for a way out of under-performing Borussia Dortmund.

The Gunners have been left short at the back on many occasions this season after Arsene Wenger failed to bolster the back line in the summer.

However, the French manager may have the opportunity to rectify that in January, with the German press reporting Hummels‘ desire to depart the Westfalenstadion with Dortmund currently sitting in the Bundesliga’s relegation zone, per David Wright in the Express.

Dortmund have lost 10 of 17 league matches this season—more than any other team in the division—are second from bottom and unlikely to qualify for next season’s Champions League, with Hummels recently slamming his side’s form this term, per Wright‘s report:

We’ve managed pretty well at home in recent weeks, but not at all away. It’s pretty astonishing that we are so pathetic.

The German centre-back is one of the best in Europe—per B/R UK’s Sam Tighe below—and he would be a fine addition to the Gunners squad. Wenger may even be able to sign him for less than the previously quoted £47 million valuation if Hummels does indeed wish to force a move:

One Gunners target who will seemingly not be making a move to the Emirates is Barcelona’s Pedro, who has reportedly ruled out a move away from the Camp Nou after holding talks with boss Luis Enrique, per Marca (h/t Chisanga Malata in the Daily Star).

Arsenal have long been linked with the Spanish forward, per Anthony Chapman in the Express, but recent comments from Wenger seem to suggest he is not even eyeing any attacking signings in January, although there is the potential of reinforcements elsewhere, per the north London club’s website:

There is a need there but the right opportunity has to come up. To buy [just] to buy is not what we want to do, but if the right opportunity comes up, we will do it. […]

Offensively we have many options [when everyone is fit], too many to keep everyone involved with the right number of games, that is for sure.

Inter Milan are targeting one of Wenger‘s offensive options in Lukas Podolski, San Siro boss Roberto Mancini confirming his interest in the German forward, per Sport Mediaset (h/t Peter McVitie on Goal.com):

“Podolski is a good player. He is part of a list of players that we are following, so we will see what will come of it.”

While Wenger insists he wants to see Podolski stay at the Emirates, per the club’s Twitter feed, the 29-year-old has not started a single game in the English top flight so far this season and may look to force a move in order to play more first-team football:

Arsenal have endured an inconsistent start to the season but currently see themselves in fifth, tied on points with fourth-placed Southampton as they creep toward the Champions League positions.

Wenger undoubtedly needs to bring in new blood in defence and it would be a major coup if he could add Hummels to his squad in January as, at 26 years old, the German could be a huge asset in years to come. 

However, Wenger seems to have the right attitude in terms of attacking players as the likes of Santi Cazorla, Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez all look to be working well together, but Podolski may yet be on his way if he keeps being relegated to the bench.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2314307-arsenal-transfer-news-mats-hummels-wants-move-latest-on-pedro-rumours
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