Arsenal and Liverpool face ‘£26m’ January scramble as Gunners move into ‘pole position’ for attacker

Arsenal are quickly closing in on a return to competitive action. With the World Cup reaching its conclusion this weekend, the Gunners will soon be back to their usual routine in the Premier League, with an intriguing clash against West Ham to come on Boxing Day.

Before then, however, Mikel Arteta’s side have been keeping themselves ticking over with a number of friendlies against continental opposition. Recent wins over Lyon and AC Milan have shown that a depleted squad has maintained the good form that left the Gunners five points clear at the summit of the table prior to the midseason break. Next up is a clash with Juventus on Saturday evening, before a week of preparation ahead of a visit from the Hammers, who currently lie 16th in the top flight table.

But while club football may have been on hold over the past few weeks, the transfer speculation has been as rampant as ever. Here is Saturday evening’s round-up of the latest Arsenal news...

Arsenal set for Fresneda scramble

Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in securing a deal for Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda, according to a report from AS. The Spanish outlet suggest that the Gunners are among a whole host of potential suitors for the 18-year-old.

Despite his age, the right-back had established himself as a regular starter for the La Liga outfit prior to the World Cup, and has been touted for a big future. As things stand, it is understood that he has a release clause of around £26 million written into his contract in Spain, but that figure is expected to grow as certain appearance-related milestones are met. It is expected that Fresneda will be valued at around £39 million by the time he plays his 22nd game for Valladolid - a feat he could quite easily accomplish between now and the summer transfer window.

As such, AS claim that Arsenal are involved in a ‘frantic’ scramble to sign him in January, but face competition from the likes of Leeds United, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Wolves, Everton, Brentford, Southampton, and Fulham.

Gunners lead Mudryk race

Arsenal are in ‘pole position’ to sign Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. The Gunners have been linked with the talented Ukrainian repeatedly in recent months as speculation mounts over his future.

And despite interest from a number of parties, it would appear that Mikel Arteta’s men currently lead the chasing pack. Speaking to SoccerNewsNL, Di Marzio said: “Mudryk is a really good player. AC Milan wanted him in the summer in case Rafael Leao left, but it was too expensive for Milan.

“Arsenal is currently trying to capture him because they know they are dealing with a very talented player. But whether it will work in January… I don’t know. It is certain that they are in pole position to capture him. Shakhtar is a difficult negotiating partner and they probably charge about €35 million (£30m) for him.”