Arsenal transfer news and rumours: Mario Mandzukic becomes top striker target after Edinson Cavani proves too expensive

The latest transfer news and speculation surrounding the Emirates

Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic has scored 12 goals already this season (Reuters)

ARSENAL ARRIVALS…

Arsenal have been linked with a move for a world class striker this month and the Metro claims that they will launch a fresh bid for Atletico Madrid star Mario Mandzukic following reports in Spain that he will leave the club just half-a-season after arriving there from Bayern Munich.

The loan signing of Fernando Torres has triggered speculation that the Croatia international will leave the Vicente Calderon, and the Gunners have been linked with a £25m bid for the 28-year-old.

HEADING FOR THE EXIT…

Yaya Sanogo is on the verge of joining Crystal Palace after overlooking a move to Hull, with the French Under-21 striker set to join the Eagles on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger confirmed on Friday that the 21-year-old will leave the club on a short-term basis, and is appears new Palace manager Alan Pardew has won the race to sign the striker to help his Premier League survival campaign.

Benik Afobe could be another striker on his way out of the club, with reports of a loan move to Huddersfield surfacing overnight.

TWISTS…

The rumoured move for Paris St-Germain Edinson Cavani looks to have suffered a blow despite the seeming inevitable departure of the Uruguayan striker after he missed the club’s winter training camp in Morocco.

Edinson Cavani would cost around £50m (GETTY IMAGES)

While Wenger remains interested in the former Napoli star, he is said to believe that a move this month would be too costly for the club to afford.

Another player who looks unlikely to move to the Emirates is Belgian hot prospect Theo Bongonda, with TalkSport reporting that the Zulte Waregem forward is on the verge of a move to Spanish side Celta Vigo. Arsenal had been scouting the 19-year-old throughout last year, but it appears they will not be following up their interest.