25 December 2023 , 04:00
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It's December 25 and you know what that means... there's just one week until the January transfer window opens!
As Arsenal's players and staff enjoy the festivities ahead of their return to Premier League action against West Ham in three days' time, the Gunners are mulling over how to strengthen their title charge with more big-money signings. Boss Mikel Arteta is open to the idea of incomings, but deciding on which players will leave north London could be just as important to help balance the books.
Here's a round-up of the latest transfer news and gossip from the Emirates on Christmas Day.
Man Utd eye £52m-rated Arsenal target
Arsenal will face competition from Manchester United should they attempt to sign Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo. The Japan international, 22, is enjoying a terrific campaign with the San Sebastian outfit, who've reached the Champions League knockout stages, and he's subsequently left Arsenal scouts impressed.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, United are willing to pay Kubo's €60million (£52m) release clause and would even offer seven times his current wage. The former Real Madrid prodigy, who spent four years with bitter rivals Barcelona in his youth, has a deal with Real Sociedad until 2027.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Takefusa Kubo has shone for Real Sociedad (Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)Get involved! Should Arsenal pay Takefusa Kubo's release clause? Join the debate in the comments section.
Osimhen pens new Napoli deal
Victor Osimhen has committed his future to Napoli by signing a bumper three-and-a-half-year contract extension on Saturday. The Nigerian striker helped fire Napoli to their first Serie A title in 30 years last season and despite struggling alongside his team-mates this time out, he's keen to remain with the Italian champions and penned a new deal until the summer of 2026.
Arsenal had been tipped to sign 24-year-old Osimhen in January as a statement transfer move, but now the Gunners will need to look elsewhere should they want to recruit a new striker. Suspended Brentford ace Ivan Toney remains Mikel Arteta's priority target, while Bournemouth talisman Dominic Solanke is a backup option.
Cedric wanted by Villarreal
Villarreal are lining up a move for Arsenal outcast Cedric Soares. The Portuguese full-back has featured just twice this season and the Gunners are open to selling him in January, according to the Evening Standard. Cedric, 32, spent the second half of last term on loan at Fulham and is on a contract which expires next summer, a situation which has piqued La Liga side Villarreal's interest.