Arsenal transfer doubted as Gunners join scramble for star with £13m asking price

Arsenal are now ramping up preparations for the return of Premier League football on Boxing Day.

The Gunners take on London rivals West Ham on the day after Christmas, and they will want to hit the ground running to extend their lead at the top to eight points, at least until two days later, when Manchester City play their first game back. Arsenal have been keeping busy during the break with friendlies and a trip to Dubai, but they will be well aware that nothing quite replicates competitive action.

As preparations continue, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Torres update

Arsenal are unlikely to get the opportunity to sign Barcelona star Ferran Torres just yet, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

“My personal feeling is that I can’t see him leaving Barcelona yet. It seems like people in Barcelona seem to think this, too,” Jones told GiveMeSport. “Is he really going to give up on a club like that so quickly? Probably not. But if he’s told he doesn’t fit in at all and he has to consider something else, then Arsenal’s a great backup plan right now.”

Torres only join Barca last January, leaving Manchester City.

Fresneda battle

Arsenal are said to be in the race to sign Valladolid full-back Ivan Fresneda. According to Calciomercato.it, Newcastle and Juventus are also chasing a deal for the full-back, who could be on his way out of Spain this winter. It’s claimed Arsenal have ‘taken further steps’ to try to land Fresneda, but it’s clear they are not alone in pursuing a deal.

Accoring to the report, Valladolid ‘really need to sell’, and they are demanding a fee between £13.1milion and £17.6million. That’s within Arsenal’s reach, but the question will be weather they can edge those other teams.