Arsenal 'interested' in forward who has scored twice against Man City this season amid Real Madrid claim

Arsenal are back in action on Saturday when they take on top four hopefuls Aston Villa in a tough-looking clash at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have closed in a little on Liverpool after the North London derby win, but they must still remain consistent if they want to make up the gap.

In the meantime, Mikel Arteta will be hard at work as he looks to add to a depleted front line. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Arsenal.

Wissa links

Arsenal are now said to be interested in a move for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa amid a deepening injury crisis on the front line. With Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka out, the Gunners need more at the top end of the pitch, and Wissa has reportedly been identified as an option.

According to The Telegraph, Wissa could be available on a bargain fee due to the fact he only has 18 months remaining on his current contract. Wissa has scored 11 times so far this season, and with Premier League experience, Arteta may view the deal as the right kind of opportunity this month. The Gunners appear unlikely to sanction a huge deal before the summer.

Saliba claim

Real Madrid are said to be ready to step up their efforts to land Arsenal defender William Saliba. FootMercato report that Saliba will be a Los Blancos target for this summer, and they are already said to have made contact with the player’s representatives.

Arsenal have Saliba under contract until 2027, and they will be hoping to extend that deal as a priority. Real Madrid reportedly believe that they are well positioned to strike a deal as long as the defender does not pen new terms before the summer.

Calafiori boost

Arsenal could welcome back Riccardo Calafiori ahead of the Villa clash, with the Italian defender having missed the last two games with a fresh setback, while he was also injured before that.

Arteta said in his pre-match press conference: “Few decisions to make this afternoon with the medical staff, to understand whether they are in the best condition [to play] this game or the next one. We’ll decide that.”