Arsenal have ‘clear run’ at World Cup star as Newcastle United midfielder interest could ‘spark’ Gunners raid

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points with an impressive 4-2 win over Brighton at the weekend. That result, combined with Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Everton, was enough to ensure that the Gunners head into the new year in a very promising position.

Next up for Mikel Arteta’s men is a clash with high-flying Newcastle United on Tuesday evening, but before that showdown, there is still plenty of transfer speculation to work through. Check out Monday’s Arsenal-related rumours round-up below...

Gunners could have ‘clear run’ at midfielder

Sergej Milinković-Savić’s relatively underwhelming showing at the Qatar World Cup could leave Arsenal with a ‘clear run’ at signing him, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. The Serbia international has emerged as a potential target for the Gunners in recent days as speculation over his future at Lazio ramps up.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: “The one thing in Arsenal’s favour here is that Milinković-Savić didn’t quite light up the World Cup in a way that he could have done. If Arsenal do want him, this would probably be the time to make their move, because they’d have a reasonably clear run at him.”

Arsenal could make Tielemans move

Arsenal may be sparked into action over a potential move for Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, with Newcastle United also reportedly keen on the midfielder, according to Dean Jones. Mikel Arteta is understood to be an admirer of the Belgian, and would like to add him to his ranks at the Emirates.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said: “Newcastle’s interest in Tielemans could spark Arsenal into action because if Newcastle were to lodge a bid, that might mean Arsenal have to go and spend money on him. They’d prefer not to do that, they’d prefer to wait and get him on a free. But I think if Newcastle did make a bid, then that would make things pretty interesting.”