Arsenal express 'interest' in Barcelona defender amid 'last-minute' transfer call to Premier League rivals

Arsenal are now preparing for a glamorous FA Cup tie with Manchester United, although Mikel Arteta will surely have preferred a chance to rest some of his key players after a busy festive period. The Gunners’ main focus will be on the Premier League, but they are going to have to put out a strong side if they want to book their place in the fourth round.

In the meantime, Arteta will be scanning the market to see if he can add another attacker to his squad, missing a goalscorer and a temporary replacement for the injured Bukayo Saka. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Araujo links

Arsenal are said to be interested in FC Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo despite having a pretty settled centre-back partnership currently. According to Mundo Deportivo, Araujo has indicated to his teammates that he is considering an exit from the Blaugrana.

Araujo is said to be valued at around £52million, which would be a big price for the Gunners to pay for a centre-back given their needs at the top end of the pitch. Thought, the 25-year-old would be a fine signing if he was to become available.

Rashford ‘call’

Arsenal reportedly made a last-minute call to Manchester United to sign Marcus Rashford, who appears to be on his way to AC Milan after falling out with just about everyone at Old Trafford.

Rashford has become an unpopular figure and now looks set to move on to pastures new. The forward is reportedly valued at around £20million, which could be a bargain for Arsenal to add more depth out wide, albeit they would need to get the England international fully bought in. AC Milan are leading the charge, though, with reports Rashford is already Italy-bound.

Journalist Massimo Marianella told Sky Sports Italia: “It seems that Arsenal have made a phone call to Manchester United for Rashford. The club has valued him at €25m.”

Mitchell claim

Crystal Palace will reportedly refuse any interest in full-back Tyrick Mitchell amid reports of interest from Arsenal. The Eagles already face the possibility of losing star defender Marc Guehi in the next year, and they don’t seem to be in the mood to lose talented full-back Mitchell.

There were reports of Mitchell’s contract being due to expire at the end of this season, but Football Insider say the deal won’t actually expire until 2027, meaning Palace don’t need to worry about his current status. That could end any Arsenal interest unless they are willing to pay a significant amount.