Arsenal are reportedly prepared to make a significant move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde during the January transfer window.

The Gunners have had a solid Premier League campaign but remain six points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand over Mikel Arteta’s side.

In the summer, Arsenal made David Raya’s loan deal permanent and signed Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori, while Raheem Sterling and Neto joined on loan from Chelsea and Bournemouth respectively. However, injuries and inconsistent performances have left some summer signings underwhelming, prompting Arteta to seek reinforcements in January to bolster their title ambitions.

Reports from Spain suggest Arsenal have agreed to pay €75m (£62m) for Kounde, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly willing to facilitate the move as the French international prepares to leave the Camp Nou.

Kounde’s recent performances have raised doubts at Barcelona, and insiders have advised Laporta and sporting director Deco to consider any serious offers.

Arteta is said to be “convinced” that Kounde would be a valuable addition to his squad. Despite being a regular under Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, Kounde is not considered untouchable and could depart if a significant bid, such as Arsenal’s, is received.

Barcelona are reportedly open to letting Kounde go immediately if the €75m offer from Arsenal or other clubs materializes, signaling a potential high-profile departure in the upcoming transfer window.

Arsenal may explore attacking reinforcements as injuries to both Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka have sidelined them for “several weeks.”

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood believes Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo would be a perfect fit to step in for Saka in the Arsenal lineup.

Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty Show, Arsenal legend Wright said: “I think they have to do something about the right wing in terms of finding a replacement down the right wing.”

Sherwood added: “I’ve gone one for them straight away from the top of my head, Semenyo.”

Wright continued: “Wow, again he’s a fantastic player, he did brilliantly again for Bournemouth. I think this is the time for players to step up, Jesus scoring again is great to see. He looks re-energised.”

When asked how Arsenal will cope without Saka, Arteta replied: “I am putting some ideas together. I haven’t got there yet, but I have a few. Then I want to speak with them as well, to understand how we are going to generate that and take it in a positive way. Because we are going to be different.

“Gabby (Martinelli) has played there, Ethan (Nwaneri) has played there, Leo (Trossard) can play there in relation to how that unit moves. Kai (Havertz) can play there, asking him different things. So, We’ll see, try to speak to them as well and understand how they feel about it.”

While a new right-winger is reportedly Newcastle United’s primary target this winter, the club continues to be linked with center-backs as the January transfer window approaches.

Although a move for Marc Guehi appears to be on hold, reports from Italy suggest interest in AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, while Spanish media have introduced another potential target.

According to Sport, Newcastle have made a formal bid for Barcelona center-back Eric García. The Catalan outlet claims the Magpies have presented an offer that Barcelona finds “interesting.”

Similarly, FootballTransfers reported last week that Newcastle are considering signing the 23-year-old, who is valued at €25m.

Despite limited game time this season – García has made just four starts after an impressive loan spell at Girona – he is reportedly unwilling to leave Barcelona mid-season.

Instead, the Spaniard is determined to fight for his place under Barca boss Hansi Flick and is only open to a potential summer move.

The former Manchester City defender, who made 35 appearances for the club before joining Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021, has yet to secure a consistent role with the La Liga side.

Known for his potential and versatility – able to play as a center-back or holding midfielder – García remains determined to prove himself at the Nou Camp.

If Newcastle’s offer has piqued Barcelona’s interest but not García’s, the club must work to convince him of the benefits of returning to the Premier League or shift their focus elsewhere.

Newcastle previously pursued Marc Guehi over the summer, but it’s expected that the Crystal Palace captain will remain with his club through January, evaluating his future in the summer when he enters the final year of his contract.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell has Eddie Howe’s January wishlist in hand, but it is his responsibility to ensure Newcastle has the best chance of securing European football after narrowly missing out last season.

Mitchell must navigate PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Regulations), as it is expected that Newcastle will need to offload players before making significant signings.

The club managed to avoid a points deduction for the season by selling Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, a decision that displeased Howe.

However, there are several players who could leave in January. MLS club Charlotte FC is interested in Miguel Almiron, who came close to leaving in the summer.

Newcastle is reportedly asking for £8 million for Almiron, who also has loan interest from Premier League clubs.

Martin Dubravka might also depart, with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League in the works. The 35-year-old has started the last three games for Newcastle, keeping two clean sheets.

Additionally, one of Newcastle’s previous summer targets, Benfica defender Antonio Silva, is reportedly unhappy at his current club. Silva was linked to Newcastle in 2023, but a move was hindered by his £85 million price tag.

Silva, who has made just six appearances in Liga Portugal this season, is said to be frustrated with his reduced playing time.

Newcastle remains interested, and it’s believed they made a €50 million (£41.4 million) offer in the summer, which was rejected by Benfica.

Juventus is also monitoring the situation, though a move to Italy appears unlikely for now. Silva is seen by Newcastle as an alternative to Marc Guehi, who stayed at Crystal Palace despite multiple bids from the Magpies.

Despite limited playing time, Silva has impressed with his performances, averaging 74 passes per game with a 91.4% completion rate.

His ability to complete six long balls per game, just shy of Fabian Schar’s 10, makes him an ideal fit for Howe’s system. As Schar is now 33, Silva could be a future replacement for the Swiss international, who has been a key player in Howe’s squad this season.