Jobe Bellingham makes shock Arsenal transfer decision as Mikel Arteta fights for £47m star
Mikel Arteta will be desperate to return to winning ways when Arsenal lock horns with Manchester United. The Gunners will host the Red Devils at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with a place in the FA Cup fourth round up for grabs.
Arsenal head into the heavyweight tie following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday. Despite creating numerous opportunities to get back into the clash, the Magpies ended the north Londoners' 13-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
While Arteta puts his players through their paces in training, higher-ups will be working hard this month to bolster the Spaniard's squad. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.
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Bellingham makes shock decision
According to The Sun, Jobe Bellingham looks set to stay at Sunderland despite interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Borussia Dortmund. The report states that the 19-year-old midfielder, who has impressed in the Championship this season, could cost up to £20m.
It's said that the Black Cats are determined to hold onto Bellingham as they look to secure promotion to the Premier League. The Sun add that the teenager, who sees his contract expire in June 2028, would prefer to leave his homeland and join a top European club – just like his brother, Jude, did in 2020.
football.london says: "If I was Jobe, I'd stay at Sunderland until the end of the season. He's in no rush to make such a big decision over his future. On one hand, I wouldn't blame him if he wants to go overseas – especially after the rich success that his brother enjoyed in doing so. But on the other hand, I'm surprised that he snubbed Arsenal."
Barcelona demand 'irresistible' Araujo offer
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona would be reluctant to accept a loan deal for Ronald Araujo this month, but they won't rule out a permanent transfer should they receive a 'very considerable and irresistible' offer. The report states that the Arsenal target will prioritise a move to the Premier League.
It's said Juventus are also interested in Araujo, but the Old Lady would prefer to take the defender on a temporary basis – which is unlikely to suit the Catalan outfit. Mundo Deportivo adds that the Uruguayan has always been 'curious' about testing himself in the English top flight.
football.london says: "While Ronald Araujo would be a class signing for Arsenal, he's not what the Gunners need this month. Mikel Arteta needs a top striker who can help him win the Premier League or Champions League. Alexander Isak. Viktor Gyokeres. Not a centre-back."
Arsenal rival Man City for £70m midfielder
According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal and Manchester City will lock horns for the signing of Hugo Larsson. The report states that Eintracht Frankfurt could demand £70m for the 20-year-old midfielder's signature following his impressive performances for the Bundesliga outfit.
It's believed that higher-ups at the Emirates Stadium are 'fearful of being left frustrated' by Manchester City, who seem eager to spend big in the January transfer window. That said, GiveMeSport claim that the two Premier League clubs are aware that it's 'unlikely' they will be able to wrap up a deal for Larsson this month.
So, they will reportedly monitor the Swede's situation and prepare to wait until the summer before making a bid.
football.london says: "As aforementioned, Arsenal need to sign a new forward or two this month. A top midfielder – of course – wouldn't be bad business at all, but the Gunners need somebody who can finish their dinner."