While nothing much has actually transpired as yet, it looks like January is about to get interesting at Arsenal. In fact, there’s so much gubbins in today’s papers that we’ve taken the liberty of compiling it all in this ‘ere Update Megamix™.
First up, it looks like Theo Walcott has played his final game for the Gunners, with a £20million (rising to £25million) switch to Everton very nearly signed, sealed and delivered.
BBC Sport journalist David Ornstein has the pertinent details…
Everton close to agreement with Arsenal to sign Theo Walcott for in excess of £20m. #EFC football/financial offer beat rivals. Likely played last #AFC game (397 apps, 108 goals). Money to go towards transfers – Aubameyang/Malcom + Mkhitaryan (Sanchez swap), unlikely to get all 3
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) January 16, 2018
Walcott will be the first taxi to leave the Arsenal rank this month, with Alexis Sanchez next up – not that there has been much movement on that front since yesterday.
Indeed, the thorny issue of Henrik Mkhitaryan’s involvement as part of Manchester United’s negotiations is serving to clog things up. Arsenal are keen to take the Armenian on, but the man himself isn’t quite as gung-ho.
In short, nobody really seems to know what’s going on, other than ‘not a lot’…
No agreement in place or close for Mkhitaryan to join Arsenal from Man Utd in Sanchez swap. He holds key & still mulling over #AFC / other clubs / staying #MUFC – if agrees to Arsenal, can happen quickly. Doesn’t see eye to eye with Mourinho but not desperate to go at all costs pic.twitter.com/n95zzQzYdg
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) January 16, 2018
There was talk of Borussia Dortmund entering the fray to spring their former Player of the Year from the dungeon beneath Old Trafford, but it would appear that the Bundesliga side aren’t really fussed.
No further interest from Dortmund in taking @HenrikhMkh back this window. No offer received either from @Arsenal (yet) re Aubameyang.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) January 16, 2018
According to the ever-reliable Sky Sports sources, Arsenal are willing to go as high as €60million for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang despite reservations over his temperament following a spate of recent off-field disciplinary lapses.
Arsenal have also had a minor kibosh put on their pursuit of Brazilian winger Malcom, with Bordeaux president Stephane Martin declaring that the club “didn’t sign him to a contract extension to let him go in winter”, adding that Arsene Wenger will “struggle” to pluck the 20-year-old from the Girondins.
On a slightly more positive note, it’s being reported that The Gunners have finally got round to offering Jack Wilshere a new contract after the midfielder managed to prove his fitness for purpose with a string of impressive performances.
Understand Arsenal have offered a new deal to Jack Wilshere. The offer is less money than his current deal but it’s heavily incentivised. #AFC
— Ian Dennis (@Iandennisbbc) January 16, 2018
Of course it’s littered with clauses, caveats and asterisks.
Nothing’s ever simple and straightforward when it comes to Arsenal and their money.