Arsenal handing defender new deal but could miss out on transfer target

Arsenal have had a strong start to the 2023/24 Premier League season - Mikel Arteta's men currently sit at the top of the table, having won all but four of their league games so far in the current campaign. How will they look to improve their squad in January?

The Gunners are in talks to give one of their best-performing defenders a well-earned new deal - despite this, new developments have revealed that they are unlikely to bag one of their most sought-after transfer targets in the upcoming winter window.

Arsenal in talks with Takehiro Tomiyasu over new contract

Takehiro Tomiyasu has long been an unsung hero for Arsenal - until now, as Arteta is in talks with the player regarding a new deal as a reward for his fine form, according to The Athletic. His current deal will last until 2025, with an option to extend it for a further year - but the Gunners are looking to hand him a new contract nonetheless.

So far this season, Tomiyasu has made 18 appearance for Arsenal across all competitions, scoring a single goal and notching up a single assist. The Gunners have let in fewer goals than any other team in the Premier League in 2023/24 - the Japanese international has played a major role in this achievement.

Gunners and Chelsea likely to miss out on Dusan Vlahovic

Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been in pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, but they are likely to miss out on a potential transfer for the 23-year-old, as he has reportedly insisted that he is happy at his current club.

This information comes via a report from Gazzetta dello Sport. Vlahovic says he feels 'at home' at Juventus and that he has 'never really thought of leaving' - dashing any hopes of a potential move.