Arsenal are gearing up for their next Premier League game this weekend, but there is plenty happening off the pitch in the meantime. With that in mind, here is a round-up of all the rumours surrounding the club.
Jenkinson to reunite with Sam Allardyce
Arsenal’s Carl Jenkinson is set to reunite with former boss Sam Allardyce this month, as Crystal Palace prepare a permanent transfer for the right-back. Allardyce is on course for a reunion with Jenkinson after managing him at West Ham United, with Palace moving ahead of their rivals in the chase for his signature in this month’s transfer window. (Daily Express)
Mertesacker will not leave
Arsenal will not allow Per Mertesacker to leave the club on loan for the remainder of the season, despite rumours of a loan move. The reports emerged of a move temporarily on Wednesday, but Arsene Wenger will not sanction the 32-year-old leaving this month on a short-term deal. (Mirror)
Giroud, Koscielny, Coquelin signs new contract
Arsenal have announced Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Francis Coquelin have all agreed on contract extensions.
France striker Giroud, 30, has returned to the side in recent weeks to score four goals in as many appearances, including his scorpion kick effort in the win over Crystal Palace.
Midfielder Coquelin, 25, has developed into a key member of the first-team squad following his return from a loan at Charlton in December 2014 while centre-back Koscielny has proved a consistent performer since joining from Lorient in July 2010.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes the contract extensions are just rewarded for each of the players’ own hard work.
“We are very pleased that three important members of our team have committed to us for the long term,” Wenger said on the club’s official website, www.arsenal.com.
Ismael Bennacer leaves for African Cup of Nations
Arsenal youngster Ismael Bennacer has been handed a surprise late call-up to the Algeria squad for the African Cup of Nations.
As reported by the Mirror, the youngster, who made his senior debut for Algeria back in September, will join up with the squad after former Inter Milan midfielder Saphir Taider withdrew with an injury.
The 19-year-old has made just one appearance for Arsenal’s senior side, he came off the bench in last season’s defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
Arsenal Scouted Belgian Keeper
Standard Liege stopper Guillaume Hubert revealed Arsenal interest and added that it’s pleasure for him to be linked with a switch to Premier League giants. Arsenal have been eyeing move for 22-year-old in January as Wenger has identified him as a replacement for Petr Cech in future, The U-23 Belgium international keeper has been humbled with Arsenal links and added that one day he would love to play in Premier League.
PSG’s Lucas Moura latest winger to be linked
Arsenal are believed to have opened talks with PSG winger Lucas Moura, according to the L’Equipe reports.
The Brazilian who has joined PSG for £38million deal from Sao Paulo back in 2012 has been established himself as one of the best attackers in Europe and Arsenal are now desperate to lure him to Emirates Stadium.
Arsene Wenger is desperate to make a marquee signing in the January transfer window to boost Arsenal chances in the Premier League title, the 24-year-old is under contract with PSG until 2019 and French giants could be also keen on to sell him especially after signing Arsenal transfer target, Julian Draxler. Moura has been in impressive form while PSG faced Gunner at the Champions League competition back in November.
Moura has been in impressive form while PSG faced Gunner at the Champions League competition back in November.