Juventus pair Dejan Kulusevski and Arthur Melo would both be interested in moves to Arsenal this January, according to newspaper reports in Italy. The Bianconeri duo, who have both struggled to nail down a place in Massimiliano Allegri's starting XI this season, have been linked with the Gunners in recent weeks.
While Arsenal are happy with the profile of their squad, Arteta and technical director Edu believe a few low-key additions could prove the difference between a successful or an unsuccessful campaign come the end of the season.
The Gunners headed into the window not expecting to make any major moves but the landscape has now changed in the past few days.
That's because Arsenal are light on the ground in midfield having lost Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey to the Africa Cup of Nations and Granit Xhaka to COVID-19. Ainsley Maitland-Niles also completed a loan move to Roma.
Yet in addition to a central midfielder, Arsenal are also keen to target another wide attacker despite the impressive emergence of Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal could do transfer business with Juventus this January (Image: GETTY)
Kulusevski, who has also been linked with Tottenham and Everton, ticks plenty of boxes for Arteta at just 21 years old.
The dynamic, versatile Swede can play anywhere across the frontline and that is of huge appeal to Arsenal, particularly when coupled with his age and room for development.
Furthermore, midfield maestro Arthur would also provide Arsenal with the technical quality and control they have lacked at times this season, particularly in Sunday's 1-0 FA Cup third-round defeat to Nottingham Forest.
According to today's print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, both Kulusevksi and Arthur have shown interest in moving to north London, should the opportunity arise.
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However, a serious knee injury to Federico Chiesa in Juventus' 4-3 win at Roma on Sunday may just have impacted Arsenal's hopes of securing any deal, particularly for Kulusevki.
The forward could now be handed more game time in the absence of the Euro 2020 champion, who will miss the rest of the season.
Juve are looking to offload players this month to make room for potential incomings with Anthony Martial and Sardar Azmoun currently of interest.
Behind the scenes, Arsenal boss Arteta and Edu are understood to have discussed a loan swoop for ex-Barcelona flop Arthur.