Arsenal transfer news and rumours: Alvaro Morata approach; Spurs in for Wanyama; Debuchy on way out
All the latest speculation from the Emirates
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal are reported to have a made an approach for Juventus striker Alvaro Morata.
Morata is a target for both Liverpool and Tottenham, with the 23-year-old scoring 15 goals in all competitions last season but struggling to hold down his place during this campaign.
According to TalkSport, Arsenal have made an approach for the forward, valued at around £49.6m.
It is Arsenal’s reported hunt for a new striker that dominates today’s transfer news. The Gunners are also understood to be tracking the progress of Athletic Bilbao starlet Inaki Williams, but reports suggest they could face competition from Manchester City. The 21-year-old forward has scored 10 goals so far this season, form that has led Arsenal to send scouts to Spain to monitor his progress.
A move would appear unlikely, however, with Williams, a Spain Under-21 international, signing a new contract last week. That contract does, however, contain a release clause of almost £40m.
Meanwhile, Don Balon report Arsenal are monitoring Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who continues to impress with his performances on loan for Real Valladolid. Arsene Wenger is understood to view Arrizabalaga is a long-term successor to Petr Cech.
Arsenal target Victor Wanyama could be on his way to Tottenham Hotspur, report the Sun, who say Mauricio Pochettino wants to add him to the Spurs squad and scupper any Arsenal interest.
Ian Wright, the former Arsenal striker, says the club are taking a potentially costly gamble if they fail to sign a defender this month.
“City paid those millions of pounds for Otamendi and Mangala and we've seen their performances up to now,” Wright told BBC Radio Five Live.
“If Wenger bought either of those two, would Arsenal supporters be happy with those two now? It isn’t that easy to go in and get the quality. Maybe Wenger has seen that.
“If you’re not going to be able to go and get people like Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, those are the players who will make a difference to the team. If you’re not going to pay for someone like Varane, you’re taking a chance.”
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are understood to be closing in on a loan for Mathieu Debuchy until the end of the season, after they agreed to a clause in his contract should Wenger need to recall him.
Aston Villa manager Remi Garde has a good relationship with Wenger – he was Wenger’s first signing in 1996 – making a loan move likely.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments