Arsenal transfer news: Miralem Pjanic 'lined up in swap for Alexis Sanchez', while Olivier Giroud discusses China

A round up of the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates

Evan Bartlett
Wednesday 18 January 2017 11:16 GMT
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Pjanic has scored seven and made nine assists for Juve this season
Pjanic has scored seven and made nine assists for Juve this season (Getty Images)

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Arsenal are rumoured to be lining up a deal that would see Miralem Pjanic move to the Emirates in a swap for Alexis Sanchez.

The Gunners had been linked with a move for the Juventus midfielder earlier in the transfer window and it appears they want him to sweeten the exit of Sanchez if the Italian champions make a move in the summer, according to a report in TuttoSport.

The Chilean forward has 18 months left to run on his current contract and has appeared increasingly frustrated with life at Arsenal in recent weeks.

​Barcelona midfielder Sergi Samper has claimed he rejected an approach from Arsene Wenger last summer.

The 21-year-old is currently playing on loan at Granada and told the club's website that he is determined to break into the Barca first team.

"I didn't want to listen to Wenger. I made it clear I wanted to stay, to succeed at Barca," he explained.

Olivier Giroud has admitted he would be open to a move to the lucrative Chinese Super League, but not until he has won a Premier League title with Arsenal.

When asked how he felt about players giving up elite European leagues for the riches of the Far East, the French forward admitted he was not surprised.

"Honestly, from my point of view I will tell you that I can understand, but if you asked me if I want to go now I will tell you 'no'," he explained.

"The Premier League is my main target so after when I will win it one day, why not, you never know."

Joey Barton has told FourFourTwo magazine that there was some "low-level interest" from Arsenal a few years back and that he would have "liked to have played" for the club. "Who wouldn't?" he added.

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