Arsenal transfer news: Lemar boost, De Bruyne confirms Sanchez deal and more - 10th January 2017

Arsenal receive double Lemar boost

Arsene Wenger is reportedly a huge fan of the AS Monaco star and pursued him in the summer. However, the move could not reach completion on deadline day in August and now, the Gunners are once again looking to sign him as per several reports.

However, the Ligue 1 club's manager, Leonardo Jardim recently rebuffed any transfer claims stating that the club does not do big sales in January. Now, he changed the tune as he said:

“We are not used to selling in the winter. But the transfer window lasts until the end of the month and many things can happen.”

Furthermore, RMC Sport claims that Monaco are now willing to negotiate at a lower price of around £60 million, compared to the previously quoted £90 million. Thus, Arsenal could land the player but face competition from Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool. Nevertheless, journalist Loic Tanz believes the Reds will not make a huge bid and said:

“He is their priority to replace Alexis Sanchez. Monaco are not totally against the idea of an offer this month, but it would have to be a very big offer. I am told that Liverpool wouldn't make a big offer.”

If Arsenal indeed complete the deal, then it could prove to be a top signing.

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Kevin De Bruyne appears to confirm Alexis Sanchez deal

Kevin De Bruyne (right) dropped a big hint

The Chilean almost joined Manchester City on deadline day back in August but for Arsenal failing to land his replacement in Thomas Lemar. Now, the player is looking to complete the move in January for a cut-price deal, given he is in the final six months of his contract.

While rumours continue to circulate regarding when he would join Pep Guardiola's side, City man Kevin De Bruyne looks to have confirmed Sanchez' arrival. The Belgian said:

“He’s a very good player. When he comes, he will add something to the team. Obviously, we will see what happens in this transfer period. We don’t have to take care about that anyway."

"If a good player comes to us that is better, if he doesn’t come, we do it with the team we have. We are in a good period already, over the whole season. Everybody is doing a good job.”

Thus, De Bruyne does mention "when he comes", instead of "if he comes" which implies the deal could conclude soon. This would end a long saga for City while Arsenal fans will be hoping Wenger lands a suitable replacement in this window itself.

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Olivier Giroud is not seeking a move away from the Emirates

Giroud's agent rules out move to China and Turkey

The Frenchman has seen his playing time cut short due to the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon in the summer. This has sparked rumours of a possible move away in January, given the huge competition for places in the France squad with the World Cup on the horizon.

So far, Giroud has primarily started games in cup competitions and his agent, Michael Manuello, spoke last month about his client willing to consider a move in the winter transfer window. Now, Manuello spoke to rule out moves to Turkey and China and told French outlet, Le Figaro:

“He listens, watches and afterwards he’ll see. There’s no sense in leaving for leaving’s sake. It has to be coherent and bring him something more. He’ll get playing time at Arsenal, the second half of the season is important, with competitions to play, even if he’s only playing the Europa League."

“He’s not interested in [moving to Turkey]. China neither. Leaving to earn more money is not what is foremost in his thinking. Olivier never gives up. He fights for everything. Even if you tell him it’s impossible, he’ll listen to you, but he’ll make you understand that he doesn’t think the same thing.”

Thus, there is a good chance that the player will stay in London for the next six months.