The transfer window flew open on 1 January, meaning that the most frenetic time of year has begun. Arsenal are linked with a number of incoming signings, as well as a few departures. Here is the latest on all the Gunners’ transfer rumours.

Arsenal Transfer Rumour Update

Nicolas Nkoulou

Even without a defensive injury crisis, Arsenal’s back line needs help. The Gunners have already shipped 31 goals this season, the most in the top five, leading to plenty of transfer links with a plethora of defenders.

The latest is Torino centre-back Nicolas Nkoulou. The 28-year-old serves as captain of the Serie A side, who he joined permanently in the summer. Torino only had to pay €3.5 million for the player.

However, due to his fine performances and the fact he has 18 months left on his contract, the player will cost considerably more if Arsenal are to sign him in January.

Keylor Navas

Last May, Navas was Real Madrid’s undisputed number one keeper. However, since the Champions League final last season, the Costa Rican has made just eight appearances for Los Galacticos.

With Thibaut Courtois making the switch to the Spanish capital last summer, there is no real chance for Navas to reclaim his former spot. Now, the player wants a route out of Madrid.

That rumoured destination is north London, according to Spanish outlet Sport. Arsenal are reportedly ready to make a £14.5 million offer to bring the Navas to the Emirates. However, with the club already carrying three goalkeepers and having just splashed over £20 million on the position in the summer, this rumour seems flimsy.

The team has needs in many other areas on the pitch, meaning that any additional funds spent between the sticks in January would not be money well spent.

Arsenal head coach Unai Emery even spoke to the media to quash this rumour: “We never speak about one goalkeeper because I think – and it’s true – we are very happy with the three goalkeepers we have now. We’ve never spoken about Keylor Navas.”

Don’t hold your breath for this transfer.

Aaron Ramsey

Switching from incomings to outgoings, Aaron Ramsey is now free to negotiate with clubs around Europe on a pre-contract agreement. Several of Europe’s top clubs are rumoured to be interested, including Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus.

In fact, the Old Lady’s sporting director, Fabio Paratici, even told the media the giants from Turin are interested in the Welshman.

“He is a player whose contract is going to end and we always pay great attention to the situations offered by the transfer market because it is our duty, so we also pay attention to Ramsey.”

Paratici also confirmed that no deal had been agreed as of yet.

Mesut Ozil

While the midfielder’s contract doesn’t expire for another two-and-a-half seasons, Mesut Ozil has also been touted as a possible transfer out at Arsenal. The former German international has underperformed in nearly every one of his appearances this season.

This anonymous form is starting to make his contract look like an albatross around the neck of the club. His enormous £350,000 per week wages even helped prevent the club from keeping hold of Ramsey.

However, according to the player’s agent, Ozil is going nowhere.

“Mesut signed a new contract last January because he saw his future at Arsenal, and nothing has changed in his mind. He wants to stay for the duration of that contract and maybe even longer.”

Never say never, but Ozil seems set for an Emirates stay, at least for this window.

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