Martin Zubimendi doubles down on Arsenal transfer as Real Madrid told player's price tag

Arsenal will be determined to return to winning ways after the international break. The Gunners, who are currently three games without a victory, will face Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium next week as both sides look to climb the Premier League table.

The North Londoners head into the clash off the back of a draw to Chelsea, as well as defeats to Inter Milan and Newcastle United. Arsenal are nine points behind Liverpool in the title race, and Mikel Arteta's under pressure to transform his side's fortunes.

Unfortunately for the Spaniard, he could be with some big names as the Gunners' injury list continues to grow. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.

Zubimendi doubles down

Martin Zubimendi has insisted he's still happy at Real Sociedad ahead of the January transfer window. The 25-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer – particularly Arsenal and Liverpool – but an exit failed to materialise.

As quoted by Spanish outlet Estadio Desportivo during the international break, Zubimendi said: "There will always be rumours and there is again now that the month of January is approaching, but I don’t waste energy on the noise outside. I’m happy with how I’m handling it and I’m going to take it."

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football.london says: "While Martin Zubimendi has – once again – insisted he's happy at Real Sociedad, I think he'll leave in the summer. And, if he doesn't, then I can't see him ever leaving his boyhood club by choice. In the summer, his stock was at an all-time high. This season, he remains widely regarded as a top holding midfielder. If the La Liga outfit want to squeeze every penny out of him then they need to cash-in soon."

Real Madrid given Saliba mission

Real Madrid have been urged to sign William Saliba at all costs by the former Athletic Bilbao sporting director. Speaking to Spanish radio network Cadena SER, as quoted by the Metro, Rafael Alkorta also noted Aymeric Laporte as somebody who could solve Real Madrid's defensive woes.

"I wouldn’t sign in January, I would wait and consider Aymeric Laporte as an option," said Alkorta. "Maybe you have to spend €80 million (£66.5m) on a guy like Saliba who will give you 10 more years of service. Real Madrid rarely make mistakes in that regard."

football.london says: "William Saliba would be a superb addition for Real Madrid. That said, I'm sure Arsenal would – rightfully – demand an eye-watering fee for his signature, which could put the Spanish giants off. Looking at Carlo Ancelotti's squad, the Frenchman wouldn't suddenly fix the defence by himself. The backline needs a proper rebuild."

'Arsenal don't have the guts to sign Pogba'

Emmanuel Petit has claimed Arsenal 'don't have the guts' to sign Paul Pogba. The Juventus midfielder will be able to return to first-team training in January, before being eligible to play in competitive matches from March.

Speaking to Instant Casino, the Gunners legend said: "It's really important that he picks the right club next, and that club will be getting a player with so much desire. It’s a huge decision for Paul. It’s probably the most important decision he will ever make in his career.

"But at 32 years old [in March], what's the club's risk in taking him? He won't get a lot of money because of what happened in the last two or three seasons. He will probably get a decent contract, but with a clause saying that if he can reach a certain amount of games, he can get a raise.

"I'm not sure big clubs like Arsenal actually have the guts to sign a player like Pogba. Remember what happened with some top players that join Arsenal, most of them have been a failure.

"I'm not sure as well that signing Paul Pogba fits with the philosophy of Arsenal actually, especially after Edu walked out. It's a gamble, but I'm not sure that Arsenal will take it. I'm pretty sure that some French clubs will be very interested in him."

football.london says: "I agree. Arsenal needed to take a risk in the summer and spend big on an orthodox striker. They didn't and they're paying the price. That said, while I'd love to see Paul Pogba return to the Premier League, he's been out of action for a long time so I doubt he could rejuvenate the Gunners' title chances."