Arsenal close on Arteta's long-term target as Smith Rowe decision made

23 January 2024 , 04:00

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Arsenal got their season back on track with a thumping win over Crystal Palace at the weekend despite all the talk of them needing a striker.

The Gunners stuck five past the Eagles to end a poor run of form with Mikel Arteta yet to welcome any January signings. The Spaniard spent big in the summer which has limited their capacity to invest in the new year despite there being areas where they can improve.

Ivan Toney looks set to stay put at Brentford, at least until the summer, with Arsenal currently targeting midfield recruits rather than new faces in the final third.

Here are the latest rumours coming out of the Emirates.

Zubimendi deal close

Arsenal could be closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi - a long-term target for the Gunners.

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The Spaniard has been top of Arteta's wishlist for some time and a switch to the Emirates could now be on the cards. According to Spanish publication AS, Zubimendi is 'very close' to accepting an offer to join Arsenal in the summer on a pre-agreement.

Barcelona, who were among those rivalling Arsenal, have reportedly turned their attentions away from Zubimendi, who has a €60million (£52m) release clause.

Arsenal close on Arteta's long-term target as Smith Rowe decision made

Martin Zubimendi has impressed whilst in La Liga (Ricardo Larreina/AFP7/REX/Shutterstock)

Toffees set Onana price

Everton are willing to sell midfielder Amadou Onana for £50m this month, according to The Telegraph.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with the midfield anchor but Newcastle are ready to join the race. The Toffees are facing a second points deduction of the season which would put them in the bottom three and facing the prospect of relegation.

Sean Dyche had hinted earlier this month that the club didn't have plans to offload their top stars. He said: "We are in a position to do the best we can with the team we have got but we are in the position where if the right deal came along..."

He added: "But you've seen how quiet it is in January and we are certainly not thinking of players going out of the building."

ESR loan offer rejected

Emile Smith Rowe has struggled for minutes

West Ham have seen a loan request for Emile Smith Rowe rejected by Arsenal.

The Hammers were keen to land the playmaker, who is very much a squad player at the Emirates, but have seen their offer to sign him this month turned down, as per the Daily Mail. As a result they are set to turn their attention to Kalvin Phillips, who is seeking a move away from Manchester City.

Smith Rowe has slipped down the pecking order at the Emirates and has been linked with a move away. Arteta said on his player: "I’m really happy with Emile. He’s on the right trajectory now he’s settled and he’s training really well.

"You know that I’m not going to talk about any individual situation. What he needs now is chances to put all those desired qualities on the pitch. In order to do that, we have to give him minutes."