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Juventus make decision on Arsenal transfer target Merih Demiral as Mikel Arteta plots deal
Arsenal are hoping to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window.
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Arsenal are in the market for a centre-back this January and are interested in Juventus’ Merih Demiral. But the Serie A champions do not want to loan their young defender out, leaving Mikel Arteta with other options to explore over the coming weeks.
Arsenal’s defensive personnel woes worsened when Calum Chambers injured his knee against Chelsea, ending his season in the process.
Chambers ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will be out of action until next season.
Arsenal are now short at the back and they are also dealing with Kieran Tierney’s consistent injury problems.
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The £25million signing is recovering from a dislocated shoulder, while his opposing full-back Hector Bellerin is also out of action.
Bellerin has tweaked his hamstring and will be out for a couple more weeks yet.
But while Arsenal are interested in Demiral at Juventus, the Italian champions aren’t willing to let him leave on loan this month, according to Goal.
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They also say that Arsenal, like last January, are unable to sign any players on a permanent basis because of their financial outlay last summer.
Close to £130m was spent by Arsenal, who are 10th in the Premier League this season after 21 games.
Arteta was asked about transfers after his side beat Leeds in the FA Cup third round on Monday evening at the Emirates.
He said: ”We don't talk about any transfers and we are working on a few things.
“When the club has something to say I will let you know."
Arsenal are also said to be interested in Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng, who is not playing regularly in Germany’s capital.
RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano is also a target being considered by Arsenal, who are yet to make any solid transfer decisions just yet.
Demiral, 21, is highly-rated at Juventus but he’s behind Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele Rugani and Matthijs de Ligt in the pecking order.
Arsenal’s next clash in the Premier League comes against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.