Bundesliga star would 'prefer' transfer move to Arsenal over Man Utd

In today's Arsenal transfer news, a player who is the subject of in interest from the Gunners would reportedly 'prefer' a move to the Emirates Stadium over Manchester United - who are also interested in him - in the January transfer window.

However, Arsenal will face competition for another of the players they have been linked with - reports suggest that Aston Villa are also vying for his signature. Can the Gunners beat the Villans to the punch?

Jeremie Frimpong would 'prefer' move to Arsenal over Manchester United

Netherlands international Jeremie Frimpong is one of world football's most coveted players - he is a target for both Arsenal and Manchester United. Despite this, according to a report from FootballTransfers, he would rather move to North London over Old Trafford.

Both Arsenal and United are looking to bolster their defensive options - Frimpong is also capable of playing on the right wing if he required to do so. His current contract at Bayer Leverkusen contains a minimum fee release clause of £34.3 million - the Gunners will need to activate this if they wish to bring him on board.

Aston Villa join race to sign Villareal's Alex Baena

Aston Villa have ramped up their pursuit of Arsenal target Alex Baena, as reported by 90min. They could make a move for the Villareal winger as early as January - if the Gunners do not want to miss out on signing him, their hand could forced earlier than initially intended.

Baena will not be cheap - he has a release clause in his contract that is valued at £51.5 million. However, it is unclear if Villareal will lock him behind this hefty fee or allow him to leave for less. Villa and Arsenal aren't the only clubs who have been linked with a move for Baena - he has also been in the crosshairs of Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool.