Arsenal transfer round up: Gunners targeting strikers in Italy and Spain and Brazilian starlet

Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to add to his squad - whether now, or in the summer - and the Gunners have been linked with a host of players in recent weeks.

And with a Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool and a crucial league fixture against Tottenham Hotspur rapidly appearing on the horizon, supporters are hopeful of incomings in the near future.

So what deals will the club be looking to push over the line this week, and where do they stand currently? We take a look:

Dusan Vlahovic competition - and alternatives

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future looking increasingly likely to lie away from the Emirates Stadium, and Eddie Nketiah entering the final months of his current contract, Arsenal’s frontline is in need of some reinvigoration.

Whether that comes during the winter window or following the current season remains to be seen, but there’s no hiding from the fact that Arteta and technical director Edu are monitoring a number of attacking targets.

The most high-profile of those is Dusan Vlahovic, the 21-year-old Fiorentina striker, who has shot to prominence this term with some fine performances in Serie A.

With his contract set to expire in 2023, there is hope among a number of clubs that a deal for the Serbian striker could be sealed either in this window or the next.

Reports have suggested that Arsenal are the frontrunners to agree a deal with Fiorentina, who value the striker at around £70million.

The Italian side are set to sign striker Krzysztof Piatek on loan, but that deal isn’t expected to signal an immediate exit for Vlahovic.

Indeed, Fiorentina are understood to be keen to retain their frontman until at least the summer.

Nonetheless, there remains hope a deal can be done - even if competition from Atletico Madrid looks to have emerged in recent days.

While Vlahovic is a name under serious consideration by the Gunners, he appears to not be the only attacking option under consideration.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak, and the Spanish club are reportedly willing to do business at less than his £75million release clause.

Whether a deal for any forward is done this week remains to be seen, but it’s clearly an area of priority for the club’s transfer team.

Extra options in the middle

The Gunners have been credited with an interest in a number of midfielders this winter and that’s perhaps no surprise.

Thomas Partey and Mo Elneny are away at the African Cup of Nations, with the latter expected to depart when his contract expires at the end of the current season, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles recently joined Roma on loan.

That left Arteta with limited senior midfielder options for the weekend defeat at options, and it’s an area of priority in this window.

Reports from South America have suggested that an offer of around £20million has been lodged for Palmeiras’ Brazilian midfielder Danilo - and while the side are understood to be keen to retain the 20-year-old until the end of the season, an offer of this size could force their hand.

The talented youngster would be a longer-term addition for Arsenal, but some short-term fixes have also been mooted.

PSG midfielder Gini Wijnaldum is understood to be available on a loan deal, while Juventus’ Arthur Melo is another name who could be available and has been linked with the Emirates Stadium.

While a striker signing is desired this month, the addition of a midfielder seems a necessity - and Arteta and Edu will no doubt keen to wrap-up a deal before their next two fixtures if possible, given their significance.

What about outgoings?

A great deal of focus will be placed on the future of Aubameyang, who has fallen out of favour in recent weeks.

A loan exit has been suggested - with Barcelona among those potentially interested in a deal - but is unlikely to be completed in the near future given the striker’s involvement in the African Cup of Nations.

There are, however, some exits that could be sealed this week.

Folarin Balogun is expected to join Championship side Middlesbrough on loan, while Sead Kolasinac is holding talks with Marseille over a potential move - although that would likely be a pre-contract agreement ahead of a summer switch.

Atletico Madrid are also thought to be targeting a loan move for Cedric Soares, but Arsenal may opt not to sanction an exit until they bolster their own squad.