By Rob Worthington (Senior Writer)
Welcome one and all to the final Winter edition of my weekly transfer round-ups. Things really accelerated for Arsenal concerning incomings and outgoings at Arsenal over the course of the last week. Maty Ryan and Martin Ødegaard both joined on respective six-month loans while Mesut Özil's long-anticipated move to Fenerbahçe was finally confirmed.
Therefore, the rumour mill regarding Arsenal transfer news has slowed down a bit. The club have expertly filled two of the three problem areas identified at the start of the window regarding a back-up goalkeeper and a creative midfielder while plenty of deadwood has been cleared out. Last on the agenda for Edu will likely be locating a few more loan moves for those who can't break into the team right now and purchasing an understudy at left-back.
Here are all the latest and most reliable Arsenal rumours:
Incomings
Josh Doig
If you hadn't heard the name Josh Doig before today, don't worry, I hadn't either, but he's been touted as a potential option to provide cover for Kieran Tierney. Doig, also a Scot, has been touted as one of the SPFL's best talents and is joining a fine season for Hibs.
According to Sky Sports, Celtic, Arsenal and Chelsea are all interested in acquiring the 18-year-old's services. It's unclear how much it would take to prize Doig away from Hibs. However, the Scottish side are in a strong selling position concerning the youngster as he is contracted to them until 2023.
Ryan Bertrand
Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand has been earmarked as the perfect solution for Arsenal regarding a back-up left-back. The 31-year-old is out of contract with the Saints this Summer and in fact still lives in London despite the lengthy commute to the south coast.
According to Goal's Charles Watts, Bertrand is stalling on a signing a new deal as he is interested in joining a top-six club. He went on to reveal Arsenal have made contact with Bertrand's representatives.
However, Southampton appear to be content with keeping hold of their man till the end of the season and letting him go for free in the Summer. Ralph Hasenhüttl's side lack depth at left-back and therefore don't seem tempted to cash in on Bertrand.
Outgoings
Lucas Torreira
Monaco are said to monitoring Lucas Torreira's situation at Atletico Madrid after it was revealed Edu had "worries" over the Uruguayan's lack of game time in the Spanish capital. Mikel Arteta admitted in his press conference earlier today Torreria "hasn't been playing as many minutes as he would like."
According to reports, there is also interest in Torreira from Italy with Fiorentina's long-stand interest remaining intact while fellow Serie A side Cagligari are also believed to have appraoched Torreira. Yet, the Mail insist French side Monaco are 'best positioned' to sign the midfielder.
Nevertheless, with so little time left in the window, Torreira will in all likelihood remain in Madrid until the season's end.
Shkodran Mustafi
After reports initially broke out suggesting Arsenal were interested in terminating Shkodran Mustafi's contract, the German's father quickly rebuffed the claims. He insisted Mustafi will stay in north London till the end of the season "at least."
However, Football.London's Chris Wheatley has encouraged Arsenal fans to take Mustafi's dad's claims with a pinch of salt. The German has not featured in an Arsenal squad since late December and it doesn't appear Mikel Arteta has any plans to re-instate him any time soon.
Reiss Nelson
When asked whether Arsenal were interested in loaning out Reiss Nelson for the remainder of the 20/21 season, Mikel Arteta responded, "That’s a conversation we are having with the player’s that are not having a lot of game time." Since Nelson has barely featured for Arsenal this season, it appears probable that he is one of those players the club are considering loaning out.
It's believed Arsenal would also be willing to listen to loan offers for the likes of Alex Runar Runarsson, Joe Willock and Calum Chambers who have also found themselves out of favour of late. Moving Runarsson on is crucial to ensure a non-homegrown squad place is available for either one of Maty Ryan or Martin Ødegaard.
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