Arsenal transfer news: Sanchez replacement and breakthrough with Ozil

It’s been a pretty poor transfer window for Arsenal so far. Arsene Wenger’s side are 23 points behind league leaders Manchester City and have shambolic squad management has left them with lots to sort out this month. We round-up all the transfer stories associated with the Gunners over the past week.

‘Arsenal given free run at Malcom’

While Arsenal accept Alexis Sanchez looks set to leave this month, Arsene Wenger is adamant, privately at least, that a replacement will have to be signed first.

The Gunners identified Thomas Lemar as Sanchez’s successor in the summer only for the Monaco winger to snub Wenger’s side and Arsenal do not want similar disappointment this month.

Lemar looks destined to join Liverpool if he is allowed to leave Monaco this month, so Wenger has switched his attentions to rising Bordeaux star Malcom.

Manchester United were first linked with a move for the 20-year-old at the start of the year but are now trying to beat Manchester City to the signature of Alexis Sanchez.

Tottenham were also credited with an interest in Malcom but have now ended their pursuit to give Arsenal a clear run at the Bordeaux star, claims The Daily Mail.

Bordeaux want to keep the Brazilian until the end of the season but would be convinced into selling if their £45m valuation is met and Arsenal are reportedly in discussions with the French side.

Malcom has played a direct hand in 11 goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season, while only Nabil Fekir (8), Neymar (7) and Florian Thauvin (6) have been named the WhoScored Man of the Match more times than the Bordeaux starlet (5).

‘Ozil breakthrough in negotiations’

Fighting for Alexis Sanchez’s future is now a lost cause for Arsenal, but they haven’t given up hope of convincing Mesut Ozil to prolong his stay at the Emirates, claims the Manchester Evening News.

The Germany international has already rejected several contract offers from Arsenal but Arsene Wenger’s side reportedly tabled an improved deal in December and are now waiting to hear back from the 29-year-old.

Ozil is not opposed to renewing with the Gunners but wants assurances over the club’s ambition going forward as winning silverware is still vitally important to him.

Manchester United and Juventus have been heavily linked with a move for the former Real Madrid creator but will have to step up their interest sooner rather than later or risk missing out on his signing for good.

‘Wenger’s concerns over Evans interest’

Arsene Wenger conceded on Wednesday that rivals Manchester City are in pole position to sign West Brom defender Jonny Evans because they can offer more money.

Arsenal are in the running for Evans’ signature this month and, like City, have held talks with the Baggies over the former Manchester United defender just six months after missing out on the 30-year-old.

The Gunners have looked very shaky at the back all season and Evans would slot straight into Wenger’s back three, while playing time would be harder to come by at the Etihad.

However, Wenger is aware of City’s financial muscle and accepts the Gunners would miss out on Evans if it came down to money.

“There is nothing to say, that will only be philosophical – as long as there is no agreement I believe it is best not to talk,” The Sun quote Wenger as saying.

“The biggest challenge is to see off any interest of any other club, yes, I think. I don’t know if City are in for anybody, or what their policy is.

“Financially if the decision comes to finances we know we will be second best, that is well known.”

In the last three Premier League campaigns, only Simon Francis (371) and Laurent Koscielny (352) have won possession in the defensive third more times than Evans (337).

‘Wilshere finally set to be offered new Arsenal deal’

Arsenal will offer Jack Wilshere a new contract next month but the midfielder may have to accept a pay-cut, reports The Daily Mirror.

Wilshere has entered the final six months of his existing deal and is free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.

Wenger challenged the 26-year-old to prove his fitness in order to land a new contract and the England international has performed above expectations, starting Arsenal’s last six Premier League matches.

Wilshere has shown promising form during that time but Arsenal will look to reduce his current £120,000-a-week basic salary.

The terms being planned for Wilshere’s new deal will allow the midfielder to earn more than his current deal but it will depend on his fitness and regular playing time.

Arsenal are unbeaten in the Premier League with Wilshere in the starting XI, although they have only won two of those six matches.