Arsenal ‘close’ to £60million double deal after ‘advanced talks’ over key transfer targets

Arsenal are reportedly close to sealing two key signings - as Mikel Arteta looks to address some key areas of his squad.

The Gunners have requested for Sunday’s North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur to be postponed after the Spaniard saw his ranks depleted in recent days.

Injuries and international call-ups have contributed significantly to a lack of numbers, particularly in midfield, and Arteta looks set to use the transfer market to address the issue.

And reports this weekend suggest that a double deal could be close to completion.

The Telegraph claim that Arsenal are in ‘advanced talks’ with Juventus over the a six-month loan deal for midfielder Arthur Melo - a signing that would address the limited depth in the club’s engine room.

Melo joined the Italian giants from Barcelona for an initial fee of £66million, but has appeared just four times for the Turin outfit this term.

The Brazilian is understood to be keen on making the move to North London, but Juventus are keen to sign a replacement before allowing Melo to depart.

Arteta is also keen to strengthen his attacking options during the winter trading period, especially given the ongoing uncertainty over the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

And Italian outlet Repubblica claim that Fiorentina are ‘close’ to accepting an offer of close to £60million for striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks and these fresh reports suggest that the Serie A side - who were reluctant to lose the Serbian youngster - could now relent in their attempts to retain the forward.