Arsenal transfer rumours and news: Gunners target Andriy Yarmolenko; Alvaro Morata window opens
All the latest transfer gossip to emerge from the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 16th January
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 have reportedly signalled their intention to sign Dynamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmolenko. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Ukrainian club have informed the Gunners it will take an offer in the region of £20.5m to prize away their most coveted star. Yarmolenko has netted 13 times this season and clocked an admirable eight assists along the way, further fuelling speculation he could be set for a switch to the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger has already completed one signing this month after completing a deal for Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny. Striker Olivier Giroud said: “I’ve trained with him and he’s a good player, very talented.”
Real Madrid’s impending transfer ban could give rise to an audacious bid for Juventus striker Alvaro Morata. The Spanish giants had considered utilising the buy-back clause they installed in his contract when they sold him to last season’s Champions League finalists. With Madrid unable to buy players after this current transfer window, Zinedine Zidane’s men have been forced into rushing or scrapping deals.
The 23-year-old has been a long-term target for the Gunners and, according to the Daily Telegraph, they are finally ready to make their move. Morata scored 15 goals for the Italian outfit last season but has struggled for form this time around.
Liverpool are growing increasingly alarmed by the Gunners’ interest in Athletic Bilbao ace Inaki Williams, the Daily Star speculate. Jurgen Klopp is rumoured to be interested in taking the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, ranked the fastest player in La Liga, to Anfield. But Wenger is now said to also be keen on Williams.
The Spaniard currently has a £15m price-tag on his head but the report suggests Bilbao may ask for his full-release clause £76.3m to put off any prospective suitors. Williams has scored ten goals in 21 appearances this season and scored the only goal in a 1-0 Copa del Rey win over Valencia, managed by Gary Neville, last week.
Elsewhere Arsenal have been handed a huge boost as Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere returned to training after lengthy injury lay-offs apiece. Tomas Rosicky also completed his seven month recovery while Francis Coquelin took part in training on Friday morning. The Gunners are top of the Premier League, through to the round-of-16 in the Champions League and face Burnley in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Speaking about the returnees in his squad, Wenger said this week: “I would prefer to have the players back from injury.
"Welbeck is two to three weeks away, and I am confident that I will not find a better player on the market.” The league leaders take on Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday, and could be handed a further fitness boost by the return of Alexis Sanchez.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments