Work behind-the-scenes at Arsenal is well underway for the January transfer window as the Gunners look to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad for their Premier League title race with Manchester City.
Arsenal find themselves top of the tree at Christmas for the first time since 2007 after their best start to a Premier League season. Arteta's side sit five points clear of Pep Guardiola's side and will be pondering whether to delve into the transfer window to add new blood to the squad depth at the Emirates.
The World Cup provides newly promoted technical director Edu with the perfect opportunity to scout players and identify potential reinforcements that could prove vital in their first title race in six years. With 35 days remaining until the transfer window opens, football.london has taken a look at six players the Gunners are tipped to sign, according to Sky Bet.
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Cody Gakpo - 12/1
Gakpo is one player in football at the moment who is seeing his market value drastically rise due to his World Cup performances. The Netherlands forward has scored in both games so far and has been Louis Van Gaal's best player in their group fixtures against Senegal and Ecuador.
The PSV man has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League for some time now and held discussions about a possible switch to Manchester United in the summer. Fast forward to the current day, and Gakpo has attracted further interest with 13 goals and 17 assists for the Dutch giants.
One key attribute that attracts the Gunners to Gakpo is his ability to play in a range of positions. Naturally played as an inside forward off the left, the 23-year-old has impressed as a centre forward on the odd occasion.
Douglas Luiz - 5/1 Favourite
Arsenal supporters won't be surprised to see the Aston Villa midfielder on this list after their transfer deadline day pursuit in the summer. Luiz was identified as a priority towards the end of the window, but Villa remained reluctant to accept any of the Gunners' three bids.
The Brazilian signed a new deal in October, but the rumours have continued to rise over his future in Birmingham. Luiz has continued to be an ever-present in the Villa midfield, and after failing to be included in Brazil's World Cup squad, may feel a big-time move is the next step.
A central midfielder has been prioritised ahead of the upcoming transfer window as Arteta looks to add depth to Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey. Luiz's new deal at Villa Park does, unfortunately, mean Arsenal would have to increase the £25 million offer they made in the summer.
Youri Tielemans - 5/1 Favourite
Tielemans is yet to commit his future to Leicester City, and he isn't expected to. The Belgian has enjoyed a positive turn in form this season and has done no harm to his chances of securing a move to the Gunners.
Arsenal are likely to wait until the end of the season to make a move to bring Tielemans to the Emirates. Despite reports in the summer that technical director Edu was lining up a £25 million offer, no official bid was made, but a move in January may be considered to boost Arteta's midfield options for the rest of the season.
Wilfried Zaha - 8/1
From the outside, it's surprising that Arsenal have never landed Zaha. The Crystal Palace star seems to be linked with a move to the Emirates in nearly every transfer window. However, this year, they are more likely to acquire his services than ever.
Zaha's current contract at Selhurst park expires at the end of the season, and he is yet to commit his future, meaning the Gunners could either sign him for a cheap fee in January or on a free transfer in June. The 30-year-old has impressed this season with six goals and two assists for Patrick Vieira's men. Certainly, one to keep an eye on.
Declan Rice - 12/1
The future of West Ham United skipper Rice has been one that has dragged on over the years. His emergence as one of the Premier League's best holding midfielders has attracted plenty of interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, but he has remained with his boyhood club.
Seeing his name on this list may come as a surprise for some, but according to Sky Bet, Arsenal are more likely to land the 23-year-old than Manchester City. It is expected that a hefty transfer fee would force the Hammers to consider an offer, suggesting the reason why Brazilian starlet Danilo seems to be preferred.
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