‘They believe’ - Chris Wheatley’s Arsenal transfer revelation and agent opens up

Arsenal’s January transfer window has come to a close, and the Gunners can now get on with their Premier League title bid without the distraction of transfers.

Edu and Mikel Arteta managed to add Jorginho to their squad on deadline day, adding much-needed depth to the holding position amid Mohamed Elneny’s injury issues. The Gunners did miss out on the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Moises Caicedo during the window, but they will still be feeling confident about their title chances.

In the meantime, the rumours will continue to pour in ahead of the summer transfer window and here we round up all the latest on that front.

Rice interest

Arsenal could well make a move for West Ham United star Declan Rice in the summer, according to National World editor & writer Chris Wheatley.

Rice has been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and others, and the Gunners may well turn to the England international after missing out on Caicedo.

Wheatley explained: “Declan Rice is Arsenal's top midfield target this summer. They believe a deal is there to be done and informal enquiries suggest Rice would be keen to join. However, they will face competition from a host of clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United. Gunners manager Mikel Arteta wants to bring in two midfielders with Mohamed Elneny expected to be out for quite a while.”

Fresneda latest

Arsenal were said to be interested in a move for Valladolid star Ivan Fresneda during the window, and the full-back’s agent has opened up on the situation.

“There have been around 30 teams interested,” Luis Bardaji told AS. “But the truth is that he has hardly aroused interest in Spanish football, but in Germany, France or England there has been interest.

“Some because they had a specific need in this market and others with a vision of the future, but times are what they are. Fresneda will be at Real Valladolid until the end of the season. We want him to have his feet on the ground and in other teams he was not going to have the continuity he needs now.”