Latest Arsenal transfer round-up

After 12 Premier League matches Arsenal trail Premier League table toppers Liverpool by nine points, making reinforcements in January a necessity.

Going all the way in the Premier League or Champions League remains the club's aim and also the fans’ expectations this season despite falling behind the pace, but we are more than capable of going on a run to get ourselves back within the race and fresh energy and quality would be welcomed with open arms.

After a four match dip, the Gunners responded brilliantly against both Nottingham Forest and Sporting Lisbon, firing in eight goals over the two matches to record our two biggest wins of the season so far. Bukayo Saka was at the heart of both victories to turn Arsenal's recent gloom into delight.

It has been reported that Mikel Arteta is very keen to strengthen the striker department with big-name players on the Spaniard's list. There has always been talk over whether a prolific striker who can guarantee consistent goals is the missing piece to this team, with many feeling that the position belongs to Kai Havertz and that the left wing spot should be improved on.

Arsenal's number one target for the position is Newcastle's Alexander Isak. Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the versatile Swede who has recorded 25 Premier League goals since the start of last season. A move would be a complicated and costly one, which Isak would need to push for. Football.London have reported that Newcastle will not sell without a fight, despite their financial problems.

Isak is truly the full package, his movement creates opportunity for others as well of himself, his running on the ball and trickery entertains and scares the life out of defenders as well as being a sure thing in front of goal. If the signing could be made Isak would instantly take Arsenal up a level.

Italian publication Calciomercato have reported that Arsenal sent scouts to watch Atalanta take on Young Boys for a chance to watch Italy international forward Mateo Retegui. Bought from Genoa last summer, Retegui has hit the ground running, leading the league's scoring charts this season with 12 goals and forming a deadly partnership with Ademola Lookman.

Atalanta are known for being something of a selling club and would be likely to sell Retegui for the right price. At 25 years of age and having only moved to Europe two years ago, Retegui is still a work in progress, lacking some elements of a striker's game, whilst excelling in many too. If Arsenal are to bolster their attack this January, he could be the player to move for.

Arsenal are also said to be interested in Las Palmas attacker Alberto Moleiro. The Spaniard can play as a winger, behind the striker or even as a striker if needed. SuperDeporte in Spain have claimed that Arteta has been a key figure leading the hunt for his signature.

Moleiro has previously been linked to Spanish giants Real Madrid as well as being compared to Barcelona star Pedri. So far this season the Spain under-21 international has scored four goals in 13 appearances for 17th placed Las Palmas.

In the midfield department, Arsenal will be looking for a long term partner to Declan Rice.

A key standout for the role is Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton who received a call up with England for the Euros last summer after an impressive opening six months to his Premier League career.

CaughtOffside claims that talks have already been held with the Gunners hoping to pay a fee near the £45m mark for the 20-year-old.

Wharton adds a calmness and ease to a hectic Palace team through his accurate passing and intelligence to play the game at his own pace. The former Blackburn man would add creativity from deep and keep his foot on the ball when the pendulum swings in the game as well as win duels.

Hugo Larsson is another reported midfield target for the Gunners who face competition from Spurs and Bayern Munich for the Swede's signature.

Larsson has been a key part of Frankfurt's flying start to the season which has seen them soar to second in the Bundesliga. The 20-year-old has had his hand in six goals in all competitions, scoring four.

German journalist Christian Falk has suggested that Larsson is valued around £50m.