While Arsenal's primary focus remains fixed on a gripping Premier League title race, the club's recruitment team appears to be actively plotting for the future in the January transfer window. Manager Mikel Arteta has been publicly quiet on potential business, but a flurry of reports from across Europe link the Gunners with several exciting young talents.
Arsenal Await Opportunity for Real Madrid Prodigy
According to Spanish publication Defensa Central, Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Real Madrid's 20-year-old Turkish midfielder Arda Guler. The playmaker thrived under former manager Xabi Alonso but has seen his role become less certain following Alonso's sudden exit after the Super Copa final defeat to Barcelona.
With reserve team coach Alvaro Arbeloa now in temporary charge, Guler is said to be waiting to assess his prospects at the Bernabéu. This period of uncertainty has reportedly put Arsenal on alert, with the north London club considering a move if the youngster's opportunities diminish. Any transfer this month, however, is still viewed as unlikely.
Gunners Take Formal Steps for Lille Teenager
In France, RMC Sport claims Arsenal are working to secure a deal for Lille's 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The French-Moroccan starlet, who became Lille's youngest-ever player in European competition at 16, is highly coveted.
Arsenal are understood to have taken 'formal steps' to sign him, competing with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Real Madrid for his signature. Lille value the teenager at over £43 million, and it is unclear if they would sanction a sale midway through the season.
Brazilian Dynamo Also on Arsenal Radar
Further afield, reports from TNT Sports Brasil indicate Arsenal have made contact with Brazilian giants Corinthians regarding young star Breno Bidon. The 20-year-old, who has already made 56 senior appearances and helped Brazil win the Under-20 South American Championship, is seen as a dynamic talent.
While Arsenal are yet to submit a concrete offer, their enquiry signals serious interest. Corinthians have already rejected a £13 million bid from Sporting Lisbon and are believed to be holding out for at least £26 million, despite the player having a massive £86 million release clause in his contract.
With the Gunners competing on four fronts, including a League Cup semi-final against Chelsea, these links demonstrate a clear strategy of identifying and pursuing some of the world's most promising young players to bolster Arteta's squad for the long term.
