Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hinted he will not be moving for any attacking players in the January transfer window but has suggested he may still make New Year additions if the right player should become available.

Speaking ahead of the Gunners’ Thursday clash with fourth-placed Southampton, Wenger expressed his belief that Arsenal are all set in terms of forward players, but he could be tempted to strengthen elsewhere, per the 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.

These comments seemingly rule out the possibility of Arsenal signing Edinson Cavani from Paris St-Germain in January, despite the Uruguayan being heavily linked with the club, per Jamie Anderson in the Express. 

Anderson suggests the fact that Cavani has not joined up with PSG’s winter training camp in Morocco points to a potential £50 million switch to Arsenal as being a possibility.

However, along with Wenger‘s assertion that he is not in the market for a new forward man, Ligue 1 expert Jonathan Johnson also relayed Le Parisien‘s report that Cavani will not be leaving the Parc des Princes in January:

Despite being sent off in Arsenal’s Boxing Day win over QPR, the Gunners’ current main front man, Olivier Giroud, has looked in fine form of late, as have the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck.

Thus, Wenger is likley right to not pursue any more forwards in January, a window so often characterised by inflated prices and panic buys.

However, the Gunners could do with improvements elsewhere and Wenger has pointed at a shortage in midfield because of injury:

If you look at the number of games some players played, and the injuries we have with Wilshere, Ramsey and Arteta, we are a bit short at the moment in midfield.

A mooted central target for Arsenal is Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko—valued at £16 million, per Nick Lustig in the Daily Star—but the Frenchman has recently insisted he plans to stay at St James’ Park, thus pouring cold water on any hopes the Gunners had of signing him, per The Sun‘s Colin Young (subscription required):

“I said all along I was happy here at Newcastle. I will be here and trying to do my best for this club in 2015.”

For many Arsenal fans, this may come as something of a relief as, although Sissoko is a fine player, he is not the type of midfielder that the Gunners have been crying out for and his purchase would potentially be a misuse of valuable funds, per B/R UK’s James McNicholas:

What Wenger needs is a defensive-minded midfielder—which Sissoko is not—to protect the back four and bring a certain calm and composure to the middle of the park, hence why Arsenal have so long been linked with Sami Khedira and Morgan Schneiderlin—the latter analysed below by B/R UK’s Sam Tighe:  

On potential departures, Wenger ruled out a move for Lukas Podolski to Inter Milan—who are interested in the German, per the Daily Mail‘s Jack Briden—but a loan move for Yaya Sanogo could be on the cards:

I don’t really doubt [loan deals] in some positions where players need experience. That’s not the case for Podolski but players who need practice because they’re at a very young age like Sanogo, it is not impossible.

A victory over Southampton on Jan. 1 would see Arsenal leapfrog Saints into fourth place, the final Champions League spot.

Thus, despite an inconsistent start to the season, the Gunners are steadily moving up the table and are in a good vein of form of late having won three of their last four league games.

It seems that drastic January transfer moves are not necessary, but added strength in defence would certainly be welcome. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2314368-arsenal-transfer-news-edinson-cavani-in-doubt-arsene-wenger-addresses-rumours
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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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Liverpool are being linked with moves for both Ezequiel Lavezzi and Saido Berahino in the January transfer window as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to add more firepower to his attack.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Lavezzi is reportedly unhappy in the French capital and is looking for a move away, with Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express linking the Argentine with an £8 million switch to Anfield in the new year.

The 29-year-old Lavezzi has also been heavily linked with Inter Milan as manager Roberto Mancini looks to bolster his forward line, per La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Ligue 1 expert Jonathan Johnson), but Jefferson’s report suggests a potential loan move for Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski to the Serie A club gives Liverpool a greater chance of signing the former Napoli forward:

Lavezzi has started only eight Ligue 1 games so far this season—scoring two goals, per WhoScored.com—and has not joined up with the PSG squad for winter training in Morocco, per beIN Sports’ Tancredi Palmeri:

It does indeed look as though he may want out of the Parc des Princes, but while a talented player, Lavezzi is not a prolific goalscorer, making him potentially a poor target for Rodgers.

Liverpool’s main problem in attack so far this season has been a loss of goals caused by Luis Suarez‘s departure, Daniel Sturridge‘s injury and the inadequacies of replacements Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert.

They need a proven goalscorer, and Lavezzi is not that—former U.S. international Janusz Michallik discusses some potentially better options with B/R UK’s Ryan Bailey below—although a price tag of just £8 million does make him a more attractive signing.

As for West Brom‘s Berahino, the Englishman started the season in storming fashion, scoring seven league goals in nine appearances, but he has failed to net once since October, per WhoScored. 

However, the rumours surrounding his potential move to Anfield continue to grow, with John Cross of the Mirror reporting that Rodgers is looking to hijack Tottenham’s January move for the England international.

Cross describes the Reds’ pursuit of 21-year-old Berahino as “deadly serious,” with Liverpool prepared to go head-to-head with Spurs for his signature as soon as the January window opens.

Opinions differ surrounding his price tag, but Sami Mokbel in the Daily Mail suggests West Brom will demand £25 million although Liverpool are preparing to negotiate that figure down.

As WhoScored‘s Martin Laurence suggests, such a high price seems somewhat inflated for a player who has yet to prove that he can score goals on a consistent basis:

Liverpool should definitely think twice before considering spending such money on Berahino. The Reds have been stung before on overpaying for players, a prime example being the £35 million paid for Andy Carroll back in 2011.

While Liverpool do need added goals, Sturridge is close to a return, and their convincing 4-1 win over Swansea on Monday proves that there are goals elsewhere in the squad.

Rodgers’ current problems may not be solved by simply throwing money around, and the Reds must be sensible in the January transfer window, as they do seem to have the quality in the current squad to vastly improve their performances from the first half of the season.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2314296-liverpool-transfer-news-huge-ezequiel-lavezzi-and-saido-berahino-rumours-emerge
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Paris Saint-Germain will play their final match of 2014 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco against Italian side Inter Milan on Tuesday.

While the timing is questionable, particularly given how tired some of the French champions’ players have looked over the first part of the season, it is a good fixture for manager Laurent Blanc to test a few new ideas.

Le President has a number of areas concerning him at present, notably the centre of defence, defensive midfield and the attacking unit.

Although the Frenchman should not take the game too seriously and rotate his PSG team throughout the match, it is a valuable chance to test a few tactical alterations against a good European opponent.

The French champions have their first match of 2015 coming up against the same team they finished their competitive 2014 campaign against, Montpellier HSC, but away from home in the Coupe de France.

Defeat in that competition would be a poor start to the calendar year, so Blanc needs to wipe the slate clean and get his team in a positive mindset ahead of their trip to Altrad Stadium next week.

Here are three things PSG coach Blanc should try during the Inter friendly.

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Thursday sees the new year arrive, and with it, the opening of the January transfer window.

Mangers around Europe will be eyeing potential reinforcements for their sides ahead of the second half of the campaign.

Brendan Rodgers has presided over two winter transfer windows at Anfield. The first proved hugely successful, bringing in Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho from Chelsea and Inter Milan respectively.

Last year’s wasn’t quite as successful, with attempts to sign wingers Mohamed Salah and Yevhen Konoplyanka ultimately failing. Regardless, Rodgers’ side prospered post-January and went on an 11-game winning streak, so perhaps the failure to sign anyone wasn’t as bad as it seemed at the time.

This year, Rodgers will be making resolving his goalkeeper situation a priority, while the Reds continue to be linked with a host of forwards because of the struggles of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini.

Here are the latest transfer rumours involving the Reds.

Last updated: Monday, December 29

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from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2313180-liverpool-transfer-news-and-rumours-tracker-week-of-december-29
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Football Italia (h/t Sport Mediaset) is reporting that Inter manager Roberto Mancini could look to add Liverpool hardman Lucas Leiva and Arsenal attacker Lukas Podolski this January. 

Since taking over for Walter Mazzarri last month Mancini has shaken up the squad, trying out a number of different formations.

Per WhoScored, the former Manchester City manager has used the diamond midfield in matches against Chievo and Udinese, the double pivot against Roma and the 4-3-3 against Milan and Lazio. 

Clearly trying to find his best lineup, Mancini seems to feel that the Premier League duo could add some much-needed reinforcements to a Nerazzurri side currently languishing in the middle of the Serie A table. 

Mancini was recently quoted via Football Italia saying:

“Medel, poor thing, runs very hard. I need someone to cover the defence. We struggled against Udinese when Medel was left on his own in midfield by the others going too wide…”

Chilean international Gary Medel is the only defense-first midfielder who has given the Nerazzurri valuable minutes this season—Zdravko Kuzmanovic has been a non-factor and Yann M’Vila hasn’t reclaimed the form that once had him touted as one of Europe’s best midfield prospects. 

During Mancini’s time with City, the Italian tactician favored lineups featuring two defensive midfielders who were tasked with shielding the back line. 

That strategy was highly effective as the Sky Blues conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League in their 2011-12 title-winning campaign, the 2012-13 season and tied with Chelsea for fewest goals allowed in the 2010-11 season. 

With Medel in dire need of a teammate who will help him break up the flow of play, Lucas Leiva would be a great fit. 

In eight games this season, Lucas is averaging a tremendous 4.3 tackles and 2 interceptions per contest, while completing an efficient 84.9 percent of his passes. 

The Liverpool man has been a steady performer for years, and after seemingly losing his starting spot last season, the Brazilian has found himself in Brendan Rodgers’s first XI in seven of the past eight matches. 

That sudden revival may show that Rodgers isn’t quite ready to let the former Gremio man go, but if he is in fact available, Mancini would be wise to pursue the Brazilian international.

Another marquee feature of Mancini’s City lineups was the presence of two wide midfielders. 

David Silva would regularly cut inside and support the attack from a more central position, but he would provide width when necessary. Samir Nasri operated in a similar fashion, while James Milner was more of a traditional winger.

Inter are completely bereft of wingers, meaning that signings will need to be made before Mancini is able to effectively institute his brand of football. 

After cooling their interest in pacy winger Aaron Lennon, the Nerazzurri have set their sights on Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski. 

Having failed to register a single league start on the season, Podolski is hardly in the first-team picture and has played just 327 minutes across 13 matches in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.com. 

That minutes-per-game mark is even worse when looking specifically at league play, where the German international is averaging just over 15 minutes per appearance. 

While Podolski isn’t a speed merchant like Lennon, the 29-year-old is at home when he’s given lease to get on the ball and create opportunities. 

Podolski could operate like Silva did under Mancini—cut inside and offer help centrally, or get to the by-line and use his vast experience to carve out chances for his teammates. 

After failing to hold a regular starting role toward the latter of his three-year spell with Bayern Munich, the German famously returned to boyhood club FC Koln, where he was the focal point of the attack. 

Podolski knows how to shoulder a sizable offensive load, and has seen many of his Arsenal minutes on the left flank, where he would presumably be deployed. 

Though Podolski is more of a name acquisition at this juncture, he should be looking to prove his worth given his lack of chances this year. 

Mancini is inheriting an unbalanced squad, one deep at certain positions but sorely wanting in others. It will take time for him to bring the players and settle on the formation that will restore Inter as a European contender. 

A strong January transfer window, one that could net veterans Lucas Leiva and Lukas Podolski, could be just what Mancini needs as he works to make this Inter team as successful as those he managed in his first stint as Nerazzurri boss. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2306893-inter-milan-what-would-lucas-leiva-and-lukas-podolski-bring-to-mancinis-side
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Manchester United look set to miss out on reported midfield target Wesley Sneijder with the Dutchman apparently departing Galatasaray for former club Inter Milan in January.

According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Joe Short in the Express), the 30-year-old Sneijder‘s departure from his Turkish club is imminent as they look to ease their financial problems, but Inter, not United, are set to be the beneficiaries.

While Short suggests Sneijder is available for a “bargain” £14 million, Sami Mokbel of MailOnline reports an even lower valuation of £9 million, either figure a good value for an impressive player.

However, while the Red Devils have been linked with Sneijder—United boss Louis van Gaal having previously coached the former Ajax man with the Dutch national side—he is seemingly set for a return to Inter, where he won the Champions League in 2010.

Sneijder is a very talented player and could be of great value to a variety of European clubs, as B/R UK’s Sam Tighe discusses below:

But United will not be massively hamstrung by missing out on signing him. Indeed, Van Gaal may have struggled to find a place for his former charge, with the likes of Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria all very effective in Sneijder‘s preferred playmaking role.

Adnan Januzaj has struggled to find himself a place in Van Gaal‘s starting team this season having broken into the senior setup under David Moyes last term.

As a result, the 19-year-old Belgian winger—who has started only four Premier League games in 2014-15 per WhoScored.com—is reportedly set for a loan move to French giants Paris St-Germain, according to The Independent‘s Ian Herbert. 

A loan move would certainly likely allow Januzaj more game time, a key factor for such a young player who looks like a fine prospect.

Along with PSG—reportedly interested in a loan move not least as it circumvents spending restrictions placed on them due to Financial Fair Play—Moyes has been previously been linked with Januzaj at Real Sociedad, as have Inter, Hull and Everton per John Cross in the Daily Mirror. 

However, when Van Gaal was recently queried about the prospect, he seemed to brush it off as not being an option, per United’s Twitter feed:

Equally, the Manchester Evening News‘ Samuel Luckhurst has previously highlighted Januzaj‘s pace as being key for United on occasion, perhaps another reason why he should not be sent out on loan by the Old Trafford outfit:

Herbert reports that, should the loan deal go through, PSG my look to buy Januzaj on a permanent basis. This outcome is unlikely to be the preference of the United hierarchy considering the young Belgian’s potential.

A loan move may well be beneficial for Januzaj, who needs more game time to advance, but the Red Devils should think seriously about allowing him to leave permanently if the possibility should occur. He could be a United stalwart for years to come.  

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2312488-manchester-united-transfer-news-latest-wesley-sneijder-adnan-januzaj-rumours
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Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski is reportedly close to joining Inter Milan on loan in the January transfer window, but the Gunners should hold off on shipping the German international for now.

According to SportItalia (h/t Football Italia), the two clubs and Podolski have already agreed to the move, although other sources like Gianlucadimarzio.com’s David Amoyal believe talks are still ongoing:

After reaching an agreement with Podolski, Inter is working on convincing Arsenal to let him go on their terms. Today the nerazzurri’s sporting director Piero Ausilio met with the Gunners, the Italian club is hopeful they can get a deal done especially considering Podolski hasn’t played much this season and his contract expires in June of 2016.

The 29-year-old forward hasn’t featured much for the Gunners in the 2014-15 campaign, starting just once in the Champions League and making 11 appearances off the bench in all competitions, via WhoScored.com.

He’s scored three goals in 228 total minutes (excluding the League Cup), averaging out to better than a goal per match. Despite that ratio, Arsene Wenger continues to favour other options, with Olivier Giroud receiving most of the minutes and Danny Welbeck also sitting ahead in the pecking order.

Podolski has voiced concerns regarding his playing time on several occasions, and talking to Super Express (h/t beIN Sports’ Tancredi Palmeri), he confirmed that in spite of the proposed loan deal, he still wants to have a good talk with Arsenal first:

Those are not the words of someone desperate to leave his current club. Podolski simply wants to play, and as it stands, he has a better chance of doing that in Italy.

Inter isn’t the most appealing destination for a player of Podolski‘s caliber, sitting just 11th in the Serie A standings, but the German doesn’t appear to have many options at this point.

There’s a far better scenario on hand, however, and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), Wenger has already been exploring it. Italy’s leading sports outlet claims Arsenal would much rather loan out Yaya Sanogo:

It is well known that the Nerazzurri are interested in German international Podolski, who would be available on loan until the end of the season.

However, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsene Wenger is unsure of releasing the World Cup winner.

Instead, he asked Inter if they would like to take 21-year-old French forward Sanogo on loan for six months.

There could also be an option to buy at the end of the season.

Arsenal face a battle to make the Premier League’s top four this season, and in order to be successful, the Gunners will need their best players. Sanogo and his single Premier League goal in his entire Arsenal career simply don’t fit the bill.

The 21-year-old needs to develop, and a loan move to Inter could help him do that. Compared to Podolski, his potential to contribute in 2015 is minimal at best. It’s not like Arsenal don’t need goals—the club’s second-leading scorer, Giroud, will start the new year sitting out a suspension, via Match of the Day:

The form of his likely replacement has been spotty at best, as the Manchester Evening News‘ Samuel Luckhurst demonstrates in his break down of Welbeck‘s impact in the past few months:

If Podolski completes a move away from the club in January, the Gunners will have to hit the market in order to boost their depth. Wenger can’t afford to go into the second half of the season with Sanogo as his primary reserve—Arsenal would be one injury away from complete disaster.

And looking at the clear needs the club has to address in January, as Bleacher Report’s Ryan Bailey and Janusz Michallik did, they simply can’t afford to add another forward to the list:

The Gunners won’t find a seasoned, productive contributor on the market for any fee even remotely close to what Inter will be willing to pay for a six-month rental.

The Daily Express‘ Jamie Anderson might believe the fee would lie somewhere between £3 million and £5 million, but given the current financial climate of Italian football, there is no way the Nerazzurri are coughing up that kind of money.

Welbeck‘s struggles and Giroud‘s suspension could hand Podolski a handful of starts in the coming weeks, and the veteran forward could serve as a valuable back-up for another six months, aiding the Gunners’ push for European football.

It makes no sense to send him out on loan in January, with the Gunners losing a valued contributor for little to no reward. Moving Sanogo should be Wenger‘s primary objective, ensuring he has his strongest group of attackers available for the rest of the 2014-15 season.

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from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2311809-arsenal-transfer-news-arsene-wenger-must-rethink-rumoured-lukas-podolski-move
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Arsene Wenger is ready to reshape his striking options during the January transfer window. The Arsenal manager has a decision to make regarding the immediate futures of fringe forwards Yaya Sanogo and Lukas Podolski.

But while Wenger is making that choice, he’ll also have to rethink his options for a new defensive midfielder. Mooted prime target Sami Khedira seems content to remain with Real Madrid.

The German World Cup winner’s decision is the best place to start this particular round of transfer speculation:

Khedira Wants to Stay with Los Blancos

Khedira has explicitly made clear his desire to stay in the Spanish capital as part of the 10-time European Champions’ squad. The rugged 27-year-old made the claim to German publication Stuttgarter Nachrichten (h/t Off The Post writer Rob Parker):

If we can reach a solution, I’ll be very happy. I’m confident that soon I will get more of a chance to play. There are other players in my position but that competition is healthy.

As good as Khedira can be, Arsenal may have dodged the proverbial bullet with this one. Khedira has been blighted by injury woes for some time now.

In fact, he’s made just seven appearances in all competitions this term, with six coming off the bench, per ESPN FC. The same site details how Khedira made only 21 appearances during the previous season.

That dubious fitness record makes Khedira a questionable candidate to really help an Arsenal squad crippled by its own laundry list of injuries. With Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all injured, Wenger needs durable players for his midfield.

There’s also the not-so-small matter of Khedira’s wage demands. Back in the summer, when links between Arsenal and Khedira were strongest, the Gunners were reportedly put off by the player’s demands.

Khedira apparently wanted at least £150,000 per week, according to Daily Mirror reporter Darren Lewis. Given the player’s injury record it’s understandable Wenger balked at a deal on that scale.

It’s equally understandable when you consider that Khedira isn’t exactly the defensive-minded destroyer Arsenal probably need. At his best, the Los Merengues ace is a player who loves to drive forward on powerful runs aimed at arriving late into the box to finish off an attacking move.

Wenger’s squad already has that type of player in the form of a fully fit Ramsey. The rest of the Arsenal midfield is geared to let technical flair players such as Santi Cazorla shine.

What this midfield really needs is a natural anchor to shield the defence and win the ball for forward-thinking maestros. B/R’s Ryan Bailey and Janusz Michallik recently discussed players more suited to this particular role:

If Khedira is determined to fight for his place in Madrid, the decision won’t hurt Arsenal too much in the long run. Neither will thinning the ranks up front.

Wenger Trying to Loan Sanogo in Bid to Keep Podolski

Attack is the only area of the team where Arsenal are well-stocked. At least in theory. With that in mind, Wenger is attempting to thin the ranks, but he’s trying to be selective about it.

Part of the plan apparently involves offering Sanogo on loan. That could be Wenger’s ploy to keep the frustrated Podolski around a little longer.

A report in La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football-Italia.net) suggests Wenger has made such an offer to Serie A side Inter Milan: “Instead, he asked Inter if they would like to take 21-year-old French forward Sanogo on loan for six months. There could also be an option to buy at the end of the season.”

This follows reports that Inter are still keen on acquiring Podolski. That’s according to Daily Express writer Jamie Anderson:

The deal will consist of a season-long loan with Arsenal asking for a fairly sizeable £5million fee, but Inter are only prepared to pay £3m.

Podolski has yet to play a 90-minute Premier League match this season, and is clearly irked at having to warm the bench for Arsene Wenger.

Podolski’s future is always a contentious issue for the Gunners. The Germany international is certainly work shy, but few can dispute his quality in front of goal.

Podolski is arguably Arsenal’s classiest and most efficient finisher. Even in a season when he’s barely featured, the 29-year-old has had little trouble finding the net.

Podolski has scored three times in just seven substitute appearances, according to the official club website. But even that level of unerring consistency can’t sway Wenger to trust the ex-Cologne and Bayern Munich striker more often.

However, the Gunners chief did appear to quash any reports of Podolski’s marginalised role being the precursor to an inevitable sale, per the club website: “If you find players who are happy when they don’t play you have a problem. He [Podolski] will play.”

Certainly, in terms of proven scoring ability, it makes more sense to retain Podolski than Sanogo. The latter probably needs a loan after struggling to make the grade at Arsenal.

Granted, the raw 21-year-old hasn’t been helped by injuries. But that can’t mask the fact that the one-time Auxerre product hasn’t seized his opportunities, scoring just once in his brief Gunners career.

Aside from Inter, FC Lorient are reportedly keen to take Sanogo back to France, according to Get French Football News.

Whatever his choice, Wenger has the luxury of ample options up front. Star summer signing Alexis Sanchez is flourishing. Fellow new arrival Danny Welbeck certainly isn’t, but at least he’s a willing worker.

Thankfully, Theo Walcott is back from injury and ready to re-establish himself as Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking threat. Wenger will need him to after natural centre-forward Olivier Giroud earned a red card during the 2-1 win over QPR on Boxing Day.

His imminent suspension will stretch Wenger’s resources somewhat and could put an experienced forward like Podolski back in the frame. Wenger could even call on promising but little-used prospect Joel Campbell for help.

Whoever leaves this January, Wenger still has the strikers to cope. His real issue will be reinforcing the ranks in midfield and at the back.

Khedira might not have been the most suitable target. Wenger still needs to prioritize finding that player in January.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2311549-arsenal-transfer-news-latest-rumours-and-speculation-as-january-window-looms
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Arsenal‘s January transfer plans appear to be taking shape, as manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly a step closer to signing talented young midfielder Krystian Bielik. But the Gunners boss may find it tougher to swing a deal for Newcastle United‘s midfield powerhouse Moussa Sissoko.

At least Wenger can swell the winter coffers by parting ways with work-shy forward Lukas Podolski. The Germany international is currently heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan.

But Bielik‘s seemingly imminent arrival in north London is the best place to start with the latest round of transfer speculation:

Bielik Just One Week Away from Arsenal Deal

Legia Warsaw’s teenage prodigy Bielik is just one week away from signing for Arsenal, after accepting the club’s invitation to attend the Premier League clash with Queens Park Rangers. That’s according to Legionisci (h/t Sport Witness), suggesting a fee of between €1.5 and €2 million has been agreed.

The same report also carries quotes from Bielik talking up the possible move: “If I go it’s not to be more in the media, but just to fulfil dreams and fight for a place in the line-up. I’m not saying that at once I’ll be in the Arsenal starting XI, but I would like to be an important and positive figure in the eyes of coach Wenger.”

Bielik is obviously not short of confidence or ambition. Arsenal’s interest also appears concrete, with strong links present for well over a month.

Yet the real question is how much can the 16-year-old really help the Gunners at a problem position? Defensive midfield has been a shaky position ever since Gilberto Silva was moved on back in 2008.

B/R’s Ryan Bailey and Janusz Michallik recently identified a defensive midfielder as a priority target in this window:

Linking Arsenal to defensive midfielders makes perfect sense when the current squad doesn’t have a player with the physical attributes and defensive willingness to effectively shield the back four.

Spanish veteran Mikel Arteta is probably the best present choice for this crucial role. However, the 32-year-old is no robust destroyer. While his cerebral qualities are valuable, Arteta has also been blighted by injury problems this term.

Wenger recently stated the ex-Everton man won’t be back in action until January, per David Hytner of the Guardian. That means an extra dose of Mathieu Flamini, the tenacious but erratic and positionally unsound Frenchman.

What Wenger really needs is a natural defensive midfielder. Bielik fits the mold as a budding young star who’s even drawn comparisons to former Gunners ace Patrick Vieira, according to Metro writer Lee Hurley.

More important than any lofty comparisons, though, Bielik‘s versatility could provide immediate help to the Gunners. Earlier this month, London Evening Standard reporter James Olley detailed how Arsenal are intrigued by Bielik‘s ability to play two positions: “Bielik has made just six appearances for Legia—including a Europa League debut against Trabzonspor earlier this month—and can play as a defensive midfielder but has also been scouted as a potential centre-back.”

It’s well known that Wenger entered this season with only three senior centre-backs: Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and summer signing Calum Chambers.

But a lingering Achilles problem for Koscielny and other assorted injuries at the back have forced Wenger to shift players into the middle. Full-backs Mathieu Debuchy and Nacho Monreal have both been deployed as makeshift central defenders.

Wenger has also expressed concern over how often 19-year-old Chambers has played during his first season at the club, per Daily Mail reporter Matt Barlow. Adding another player with at least the potential to operate at the back, certainly wouldn’t hurt. Wenger loves to remake a player into a success in a new role.

However, while there’s nothing wrong with indulging in securing a bright young talent like Bielik, many Gunners fans will probably hope for more established new recruits this January.

One such target who could elude Wenger is Sissoko.

Sissoko Happy at Newcastle

Magpies midfield talisman Sissoko has apparently put the breaks on his own attempts to leave Newcastle. The 25-year-old France international has instead expressed satisfaction with his current club, according to Mirror writer Ed Malyon:

The coach considers me an important part of the group, particularly because of my international status an equally down to my good performances for the team since arriving at Newcastle.

I am very happy with where I am right now.

Sometimes I have even been handed the captain’s armband, and thus I am very satisfied with my role here.

This could be a spanner in the works for Wenger‘s January agenda. The Gunners chief had been credited with seeking a £15 million deal to sign Sissoko this winter, per Martin Hardy of The Sunday Times (subscription required).

Of course, Sissoko‘s latest comments needn’t be the death knell for any potential Arsenal interest or bid. In fact, they could just as easily be the player’s way of calming the waters after he recently openly expressed his desire to move away.

London Evening Standard writer Simon Johnson reported how Sissoko identified Arsenal as his “dream club,” while stating his desire to “play Champions League football.”

It was one of the more explicit “come and get me pleas,” even by modern football’s standards.

However, whatever Sissoko‘s motives for his recent about turn, he represents the ideal January target for the Gunners. He’s certainly not an anchor man, but Sissoko has the strength and athletic dynamism the current Arsenal midfield ranks lack.

Most often, those qualities have seen him deployed in forward areas by Magpies boss Alan Pardew. Sissoko has played on the right flank, as a No. 10 and even as a de facto striker.

However, he seems destined for a more withdrawn role. The former Toulouse man is stout enough to break up play but also loves to drive forward.

At his best, Sissoko boasts the box-to-box qualities only Aaron Ramsey gives this Arsenal squad. Wenger could certainly quickly reshape the rugged, but technically assured Sissoko into a Vieira-like figure.

Arsenal’s legendary colossus was too often wrongly labelled as purely a defensive midfield. In reality, Vieira was the fearless engine that fuelled and powered Wenger‘s best teams by seamlessly linking together defence and attack.

Sissoko has that potential, along with ample Premier League experience and Champions League eligibility. This is a player who wouldn’t need a transition period.

If Sissoko is a target, Wenger shouldn’t waste any time concluding a deal. He might even recoup part of his outlay by waving goodbye to Podolski.

Inter Milan Close to Podolski Deal

Inter Milan appear primed to end the uncomfortable relationship between Arsenal and Podolski. Terms for a deal have even been agreed, per Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (h/t talkSPORT):

Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski is in advanced talks with Inter Milan over a move in January, according to reports in Italy.

The Gunners forward has been tracked by the Italian giants for some time and Roberto Mancini is close to tying up a deal to sign the German international on loan.

Serie A duo Juventus and Roma have also been linked with the 29-year-old hitman, but it appears Inter have won the race for his signature.

It’s fair to say Podolski has experienced a rather checkered spell at Arsenal since joining the Gunners in 2012. While he’s found goals relatively easy to come by, the German has failed to make himself a regular in Wenger‘s teams.

An inconsistent work rate is the main reason. Podolski has rarely shown the energy or application to make the left flank his own. Attempts to deploy him as a more natural centre-forward were undone by his surprisingly limited movement.

These factors have contributed to an apparent lack of trust from Wenger. The Frenchman has granted Podolski just two starts in all competitions this season, per ESPN FC.

Naturally, Podolski has been left frustrated by life on the lumber. He expressed those sentiments before scoring twice in Arsenal’s 4-1 Champions League win over Galatasaray, per Mail Online reporter Craig Hope:

I am happy at Arsenal and happy in London but the only thing is I don’t play. I don’t get the chance to play. I play always 10 to 15 minutes. I cannot be happy with this.

For his part, Wenger has hinted at a desire to keep the ex-Cologne and Bayern Munich attacker at the club, per beIN Sports (h/t Daily Star reporter Nick Lustig). However, the Gunners boss never sounds particularly convincing whenever he leaps to Podolski‘s defence.

Wenger is also not short of attacking options. Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck can all play striker, along with Theo Walcott, who is returning from a prolonged injury. Talented youngsters Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell also wait in reserve.

The only caveat here is that Podolski is a more assured and efficient finisher than many of the names on this list. Certainly, Welbeck, Sanogo and Campbell have yet to adequately prove their scoring credentials for the Gunners.

But Wenger will likely feel confident about his ability to eventually coax goals from every member of that trio. He may also have had his fill of Podolski‘s erratic effort.

Despite Podolski‘s proficiency in front of goal, Arsenal would be wise to move him on during the January window.

Yet in truth, the future outlook of Arsenal’s striking options should be the least of Wenger‘s concerns next month. Instead, his priority must be retooling his midfield, along with preferably adding to his numbers at the back.

They are the only moves that would engender confidence that the Gunners can eventually turn their so far stuttering season into a successful campaign.

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