Jose Mourinho is plotting to sign his second Arsenal midfielder in the same month as he looks to bolster the options at his disposal at Roma.
Gunners academy graduate Ainsley Maitland-Niles has already upped sticks to the Italian capital to spend the remainder of the campaign on loan at the Stadio Olimpico, but Mourinho is not thought to be done there.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss has his sights set firmly on Arsenal's much-maligned Granit Xhaka, half a season after the Switzerland international came incredibly close to joining him last summer before talks collapsed.
Xhaka has since penned a contract extension in north London, but Arsenal are willing to cash in on the 29-year-old providing Roma meet the asking price set by Mikel Arteta and co.
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Relations between the Gunners and the Giallorossi are thought to be strong given the deal for Maitland-Niles recently, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan also made the move two years ago.
As a result, it's claimed Roma are confident a deal for Xhaka can be revived in the coming days - even after last summer's failure to secure his signature.
Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Mourinho views Xhaka as his number one target in the final few days of the winter window and is optimistic Arsenal will sell if the price is right.
It could take quite the offer to tempt Arsenal's hand given such little time left of the window leaves them with a slim chance of finding a replacement - even as they search for a a new central midfielder of their own.
Arteta's side are already light when it comes to options in the middle of the park, Sambi Lokonga was forced to operate as a lone pivot in the recent 0-0 draw against Burnley due to Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka serving suspensions.
Mohamed Elneny is currently on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
A loan switch for Juventus star Arthur has been touted, but that deal looks to be all but over after failing to reach an agreement over the duration of the loan with the Serie A titans.
Xhaka was keen on upping sticks in the summer but after electing to stay, has been a mainstay in Arteta's starting eleven when available this term.
With very few departures and even less arrivals, it could be a hectic final four days of business for the Gunners if they are to address the issues in their squad this month.
