Transfer News

Dani Ceballos has reportedly asked Arsenal to cut his loan deal short, allowing him to return to Real Madrid before finding a new club with an eye on getting into Spain's Euro 2020 squad.

Per Carrusel Deportivo (h/t AS), Ceballos has submitted a transfer request to the north London side. Los Blancos have already recalled Jesus Vallejo, Andriy Lunin and Jorge de Frutos, who didn't get the minutes they were likely expecting at their loan clubs during the first half of the season. All three were subsequently sent elsewhere.

Ceballos is a far bigger name, and Spanish football writer Sid Lowe wondered what went wrong at the Emirates Stadium:

Arsenal fans: What happened to Dani Ceballos?

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) January 23, 2020

According to Marca (h/t Sport Witness), Valencia are already making moves to acquire the midfielder, while AC Milan are also interested.

The 23-year-old last featured in the UEFA Europa League match against Vitoria on November 6 before missing several weeks through injury. Per AS, he's been available for selection since the turn of the year, but new manager Mikel Arteta has decided not to use him so far.

Ceballos flashed his tremendous talent under previous manager Unai Emery, most notably in his first Premier League start against Burnley, when he bagged two assists:

His strong start led to speculation the Gunners could try to make his transfer permanent, and ElDesmarque (h/t Jordan Seward of the MailOnline) reported Real turned down a £25 million offer in October. Just three months later, his Arsenal career could come to a premature end.

Formerly regarded as one of the brightest talents in La Liga, Ceballos is in danger of becoming the latest in a long line of Spanish youngsters to fall short of the expectations at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Football writer Karl Matchett listed several more:

odriozola, canales, ceballos, illarra, theo, morata, leon....there is a pattern here stretching back years if any care to see it.

asensio and to a lesser extent isco the only real ones to buck trend. expect vallejo will be added to the first list.

— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) January 22, 2020

The attacking midfielder joined from Real Betis in 2017 and made 13 La Liga starts for Los Blancos last season. He's been a full Spain international since 2018 but featured for the under-21 side in last summer's European Championship.

La Roja won the tournament thanks to the incredible trio of Ceballos, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, but of the three, only Ruiz has since been a regular for the senior team. Competition for a Euro 2020 spot is fierce, with Pablo Fornals, Pablo Sarabia, Santi Cazorla, Luis Alberto and Sergio Canales all also in the running.  

Lyon striker Moussa Dembele has ruled out a January transfer, seemingly putting an end to the rumours linking him with Chelsea and Manchester United. 

Per Goal's Jon Fisher, the Frenchman said he wants to put his full focus on what happens on the pitch: "I am a Lyon player, and I will remain so until the end of the season. I do not think there will be a departure this winter. Lots of things are being said, but it's up to me to ignore that and remain concentrated on the pitch."

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has repeatedly ruled out a transfer throughout the January window, per Get French Football News:

Lyon President Aulas: "Moussa Dembélé will not leave because he wants to stay to win something here... we have received offers for him." https://t.co/XAgWiUjVzb

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 8, 2020

Lyon President Aulas: "We want to keep Moussa Dembélé and Lucas Tousart. My opinion is that the two players will stay. Now is not the time to weaken ourselves."

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 21, 2020

The 23-year-old has been a regular subject of speculation for some time, and the rumours have intensified given the clear need both Premier League giants have at the position.

United lost Marcus Rashford to a back injury and were already struggling for depth prior to the setback. Chelsea have been overly reliant on Tammy Abraham, who had to be helped off the pitch after the 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

Dembele has a longer track record of success than either player, dating back to his Fulham days. He bagged 15 goals in the Championship during his first full season as a starter, earning a transfer to Scottish giants Celtic.

The youngster made a big impact in Glasgow:

His success in Scotland led to a return to France in 2018, and he brought his shooting boots with him, netting 15 goals in his first Ligue 1 campaign.

He's up to 11 goals already this season, playing a crucial role for Lyon. Les Gones find themselves in a tight race for a top-four finish and sit three points behind fourth-placed Nantes.

Aulas is unlikely to sell one of his star men in midseason, especially after Memphis Depay suffered a severe knee injury in December. According to the Guardian's Adam White and Eric Devin, he will miss the rest of the season.

Lyon have found their groove since the setback, winning six of their last seven matches across all competitions. That strong run of form makes it even less likely Aulas will tinker with his squad.

Edinson Cavani's mother has criticised Paris Saint-Germain for "not behaving well" in not facilitating a move for her son, with Atletico Madrid reportedly in the hunt to sign him this month. 

Cavani, 32, is PSG's record goalscorer after netting 198 times in 293 appearances for the club, but he has a contract that's due to expire in June and no longer appears to be in Thomas Tuchel's first-choice plans. 

The forward's mother, Berta Gomez, told AS (h/t Goal's Jon Fisher): "They are not behaving well with him, (especially) with everything he has given to PSG in the near seven years he has been there. If you don't use him, let him go to a club that needs your goals like Atletico Madrid."

Cavani has made four starts across all competitions this season and lost his place to Mauro Icardi—on loan from Inter Milan—who has scored 17 times in 21 outings for the French outfit.

Gomez provided more context on Atletico's interest:

"There is an open negotiation. PSG have rejected three proposals from Atletico, but my son has asked to leave and we are waiting for an agreement to be reached by both clubs.

"It's complicated, but he wants to play at Atletico, if not now, then in the summer. We have been wishing it for years, but it does not now depend on my son but on PSG and Atletico."

OptaJoe highlighted Cavani's goals over the past 13 years in Europe, which put the Uruguay international into an elite bracket among scorers:

248 - Since Edinson Cavani made his Palermo debut in March 2007, only Lionel Messi (420) and Cristiano Ronaldo (398) have scored more goals in Europe's top five leagues than the Uruguayan (248). Matador. pic.twitter.com/EJjH2eVKjM

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 21, 2020

Los Rojiblancos are third in La Liga but have scored the second-fewest goals of any team in the top half, with record signing Joao Felix not quite producing as would have been hoped of him following his transfer from Benfica.

Chelsea have also been linked with attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window. Goal's Nizaar Kinsella reported on Tammy Abraham's condition after he suffered a slight ankle injury during Tuesday's 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal when he collided with the advertisement hoardings.

Manager Frank Lampard told reporters prior to that clash that he felt Cavani—whom he lined up against during his career—was a "great player," via Eleven Sports:

🇺🇾 | Could Cavani be the man Lampard needs?

He didn’t rule out #CFC’s interest in the want-away PSG striker. pic.twitter.com/58vkPrqyGw

— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) January 21, 2020

L'Equipe (h/t Get French Football News) reported on Tuesday that Cavani's determination to reach La Liga had since softened and meant a move to England's top flight looked feasible:

Edinson Cavani had begun this transfer window with one thing in mind: move to Atletico Madrid; now, he’s also open to a move to the Premier League this month, according to L’Équipe.

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 21, 2020

Cavani's father, Luis, is also eager to see his son move to Madrid after he told El Chiringuito (h/t Mirror's Alex Milne): "He wants to leave PSG. I would like him to sign for Atletico Madrid."

It's not surprising Les Parisiens are eager to squeeze the last bit of value out of Cavani, who would be considered one of the most reliable strikers off the bench if he were to remain at PSG.

Bayern Munich have completed the signing of Real Madrid defender Alvaro Odriozola on loan until the end of the season. 

The defending Bundesliga champions announced the temporary deal via their official Twitter account on Wednesday:

#FCBayern have signed @alvaroodriozola on loan until the end of the season ✍️#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/BDPRkTDLSi

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) January 22, 2020

Odriozola, 24, moves to the Allianz Arena after falling out of manager Zinedine Zidane's first-team plans—his last league appearance for Los Blancos came in the 1-0 defeat to Mallorca in October.

He'll be expected to provide competition for France international Benjamin Pavard, who has been first-choice right-back under interim manager Hans-Dieter Flick.

In a statement released via Bayern's official website, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "Following internal discussions, we agreed to follow the wishes of head coach Hansi Flick in strengthening the defence and decided to go for Alvaro Odriozola. We are delighted about the signing and thank Real Madrid for the friendly and cooperative talks."

The four-times capped Spain international has made 27 total appearances for Los Blancos since he joined from Real Sociedad in July 2018 when he was signed by then-manager Julen Lopetegui.

Competition from first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal has seen his chances limited at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Spanish football writer Simon Harrison predicted the move to Germany will be positive:

Great move for Alvaro Odriozola. Top player and should never have moved to Real Madrid in the first place, there should always have been some form of loan back to Real Sociedad involved in that initial purchase. Hoping for a Theo-esque improvement with consistent minutes.

— Simon Harrison (@simonhfootball) January 22, 2020

Odriozola left Sociedad as a highly touted prospect, and Die Roten will hope to realise that potential after the defender's development stagnated somewhat in Madrid.

Bayern incumbent Flick appears to favour Germany star Joshua Kimmich in a midfield role, and his new arrival will offer a more natural alternative to Pavard on the right side of defence.

He'll join fellow Spaniards Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez at the Allianz, while Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Hernandez will be familiar faces from their times with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, respectively.

Odriozola could be in contention to make his Bundesliga debut when Bayern—second and four points off leaders RB Leipzig—host Schalke on Saturday.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said the Blues are looking at strikers amid concerns Tammy Abraham's ankle injury could keep him out for some time.

Per BBC Sport, Lampard didn't make a secret of his desire for attacking help before Abraham hurt his ankle in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal. The team's lack of clinical edge in front of goal was once again an issue for him: "You can't say we will definitely sign a striker but we are looking. If you don't score enough goals then you won't win enough games."

Discussing Abraham's injury, Lampard said he does have the players necessary to deal with his absence:

"I hope he's not (out for several weeks), but then if he is then yes, we do have the players to cope. But we can't finish.

"We get into the box and we could have had three or four goals today. We are having shots, having crosses and lots of 'ooh' moments for the crowd.

"But we have to be clinical. Do we need to put the ball in the back of the net more? Yes. That's clear. Our chance conversion is one of the worst in the league."

Abraham completed the 90 minutes against the Gunners but required assistance to leave the pitch afterward, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

It doesn't look good for Tammy Abraham. An ankle injury I think. #CFC #CHEARS pic.twitter.com/3TqyCwh2Hn

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 21, 2020

The Blues twice gave away a lead despite playing for over an hour with a man-advantage following David Luiz's red card. Hector Bellerin netted a late equaliser that earned the visitors a point.

Chelsea have just one win in their last four Premier League outings. While they have the fourth-best scoring record in the division, they chase the top three by seven or more goals. Manchester City have an incredible 24-goal advantage over the Blues―65 against 41 goals scored.

Abraham has been the main source for those goals with 13 so far. Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount are tied for second place with five each.

Losing the 22-year-old for an extended time would be a blow. Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud are the most logical replacements, but they have barely played this season and combined for just a single Premier League goal.

That has led to links with Paris Saint-Germain star Edinson Cavani, per the Telegraph's Matt Law:

PSG waiting by the phone as Lampard's desperation for a new striker increases. Chelsea may have to pay big for Cavani #cfchttps://t.co/b7wwWpuMGz

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) January 22, 2020

Paul Merson believes the Blues should pull the trigger, per Chelsea blogger Simon Phillips:

"When a player of that class comes up, for me I think it's an absolute must.

“You can get Cavani in to teach Abraham, someone big & strong who holds the ball up, put the ball in the box, he will put his head in there. It is a no brainer.”

- Paul Mersonhttps://t.co/54X1fs9Ct0

— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) January 21, 2020

Cavani has tumbled down the pecking order at PSG since the arrival of Mauro Icardi in the summer. The 32-year-old has started just four Ligue 1 matches this season, and none in the UEFA Champions League.

He has a stellar scoring record, netting 18 goals in just 21 Ligue 1 appearances last season. Considering his lack of minutes, a January move seems possible, providing the Blues are willing to meet PSG's valuation.

Barcelona manager Quique Setien has weighed in on the club's search for a new striker, telling reporters discussions are taking place but he's not too worried about it.

Per Sport's Javier Giraldo, the Catalans will be without Luis Suarez for the next four months due to a knee injury. Barcelona are looking at replacements, but Setien's focus is on the upcoming schedule, not his squad:

"It's true we're speaking about it. But we still have to move things on a little bit. It's not something I am worried about too much, I'm thinking about the match tomorrow (against Ibiza in the Copa del Rey) and against Valencia. Everything else has to be studied exhaustively; then we will see what the most convenient [option] is.

"It's an issue I still can't answer and I am not going to do so. I have spoken about some things with the club, but nothing in concrete.

"They're internal issues, and it's preferable for me if you don't ask me, because I am not going to say anything, so let's not waste time."  

Per Santi Gimenez of AS, he also said everyone at the club is part of his plans, and he's not thinking about any outgoing transfers.

On the Copa del Rey match against Ibiza, Setien said he'll watch his players in training before deciding who will play. Lionel Messi will not be part of the squad. 

Suarez had been a vital part of the Barcelona team tied for the La Liga lead with Real Madrid prior to his injury. In 17 outings in the competition, he bagged 11 goals and added seven assists.

His injury is a major setback for the Blaugrana, who have limited depth at the striker position.

Barcelona B's Abel Ruiz is seen as a major talent but has limited senior experience, and Ansu Fati, Carles Perez and Ousmane Dembele are both more comfortable out wide than through the centre. That leaves Antoine Griezmann and Messi as the top options, with no real backup on the bench.

According to Marca, the Catalans are looking at Valencia's Rodrigo as a potential January addition:

Barcelona want to sign a striker

And Rodrigo is top of their list

👀https://t.co/6eA8NjYC6j pic.twitter.com/pZWe1i8p5c

— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) January 22, 2020

Blogger Rafael Hernandez believes Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani won't be an option because of his high wage demands:

Cavani would be a good signing for Barcelona but his wage demands are too high. That’s why he hasn’t been linked.

— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) January 20, 2020

Those demands could be met if Barcelona cleared some wages from their current bill, and several players have been linked with a move away in January. According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Football Italia), the club are not happy with how Arturo Vidal tried to engineer a transfer to Inter Milan, and fellow midfielder Ivan Rakitic has also been the subject of speculation. 

Per Calciomercato.com, a proposed swap deal with Juventus' Federico Bernardeschi is looking less likely than before:

#Juve-#Barca, exchange deal regarding #Bernardeschi and #Rakitic has slowed: the situation https://t.co/5Fq6YfZmls pic.twitter.com/RLbI2ETo83

— CalcioMercato (En) (@CmdotCom_En) January 22, 2020

Setien will have the chance to experiment with his side when they visit Ibiza on Wednesday. The minnows play in the Segunda Division B and are not expected to put up much resistance against the record 30-times champions. 

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted the club made the right decision to pull out of the race to sign starlet Erling Haaland, despite their need at the striker position.

Per ESPN FC's Rob Dawson, United are looking for another forward following Marcus Rashford's injury trouble. They were previously linked with Haaland but reportedly dropped out of the race because of the demands from his father and his agent, including a buyout clause.

Solskjaer agreed with the decision:

"It is important that we use common sense. There are other things too when you sign players, that you have to keep in control. You can't give agents the control by giving buyout clauses and stuff.

"That has been touted around, that is for me, we have to be in control."

Haaland's agent, Mino Raiola, denied that he insisted on a clause and other stipulations in an interview with the Telegraph's Jason Burt. According to him, the youngster simply chose the Bundesliga side because it was the best decision for his career.

Rashford is expected to be out for several months after picking up an injury in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 22-year-old was in the midst of a fine season, with 14 Premier League goals scored, but he was also barely rested because of the lack of depth at the striker position.

Per the Telegraph's James Ducker, he complained of back pains leading up to the injury:

Rashford’s back was giving him such pain in the days before the Wolves game that he was struggling to sit down during a filmed interview with Ryan Giggs at Hotel Football and instead had to stand for the majority of it #mufc https://t.co/CrZmzRbvaH

— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) January 20, 2020

United are reportedly looking at Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani, AC Milan's Krzysztof Piatek, Napoli's Dries Mertens and Dortmund's Paco Alcacer to boost their options for the second half of the season.

The latter in particular could still be on the move in January, as his position is under major threat following the arrival of Haaland.

The 19-year-old sensation had a phenomenal debut against Augsburg, scoring a 23-minute hat-trick in the comeback win:

Haaland became a household name during the first half of the season by scoring at an incredible rate for Red Bull Salzburg. He netted eight times in six UEFA Champions League matches and scored 16 Austrian Bundesliga goals as well.

The youngster and his entourage have opted to take his career one step at a time, rather than jump straight into a big team. He previously told BBC Sport's Gary Rose how he turned down Juventus in favour of Salzburg, with playing time the decisive factor.

Dortmund have a sterling reputation for nurturing young talent, finding great success with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Christian Pulisic in recent years.  

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly given Edinson Cavani a €20 million (£17 million) price tag amid rumours linking him with Manchester United and Chelsea. 

According to ESPN's Julien Laurens, PSG have turned down a €10 million (£8.5 million) bid from Atletico Madrid, as they value him at twice that figure, although the Spanish club are said to be "optimistic" about their chances of landing him in January.

Damien Degorre of French outlet L'Equipe (h/t Football.London's Andy Ha) reported earlier this month that United "have made initial contact" with his camp, and Chelsea "have made an opening formal enquiry" for the striker, who is in the final six months of his contract.

However, according to The Times' Gary Jacob (h/t the Mirror's Alex Milne), while Chelsea are prepping a £23 million (€27 million) bid for Cavani, United are not interested in recruiting him as he'll be 33 in February.

PSG boss Thomas Tuchel would rather not lose the veteran this month:

Tuchel on Cavani: “I always said I like this squad. We do not want to lose any player during the transfer window. Today, Edinson is my player. I am glad it is the case. If that changes, we will adapt.” #SDRPSG #CdL

— Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) January 21, 2020

The club have Mauro Icardi as an option up front now, though, so while they aren't exactly desperate for the funds, they could be tempted to cash in on Cavani rather than lose him for nothing in the summer.

Injuries have limited the Uruguayan to just 14 appearances this season. In that time, he's scored five goals.

Fitness issues are perhaps becoming a concern for the striker, as hamstring and muscle problems meant he only made 33 appearances in all competitions last season.

He's still a player who can make an impact when he's fit, though, as he contributed 23 goals and nine assists when he was on the pitch.

Cavani has been one of Europe's most prolific goalscorers since his arrival from Uruguay:

248 - Since Edinson Cavani made his Palermo debut in March 2007, only Lionel Messi (420) and Cristiano Ronaldo (398) have scored more goals in Europe's top five leagues than the Uruguayan (248). Matador. pic.twitter.com/EJjH2eVKjM

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 21, 2020

Marcus Rashford could be out for up to three months with a back injury, so it might not be a bad idea for United to reconsider their position on a short-term move for the forward.

Even with his fitness issues, his relatively small fee would make it a fairly low-risk acquisition.

As for Chelsea, Tammy Abraham has enjoyed a good campaign with 15 goals to his name, but his back-ups Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud have just six goals between them, so Cavani could make a much stronger alternative.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has hailed Liverpool's relentless ability to win matches and said he is committed to his club amid talk of a transfer to Real Madrid. 

Mbappe spoke to BBC Sport about the European champions at the launch of new charity, Inspired by KM:

"What Liverpool do in this moment is amazing. They're like a machine; they've found a rhythm and are like 'we play again, we play again.'

"They've lost zero games. When you watch you think everything's easy, but that's not easy. The guys are focused, they play games every three days and they win, they win, they win."

The Reds are 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand over their rivals.

Their 2-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday continued an astonishing run of domestic form:

91 - Liverpool have taken 91 points from the last 93 available to them in the Premier League (P31 W30 D1 L0). Insanity. pic.twitter.com/pbHDfG6PM5

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 19, 2020

Liverpool's return to Europe's elite would make them an attractive proposition to star players such as Mbappe, but manager Jurgen Klopp told reporters in November there was "absolutely no chance" of the club being able to afford him.

Mbappe moved to PSG from Monaco in 2017, with the Parisian club splashing out £165.7 million to secure his signature on a permanent basis after he initially joined on loan.

Per The Athletic's David Ornstein (h/t Goal's Jack Sear), it seems the Reds aren't going to pursue ready-made stars:

It is believed Liverpool will look to sign more Minamino types than Sancho’s. Their vision would be to sign the Mbappe that left Monaco in 2017 rather than the Mbappe of now. (@David_Ornstein)

— Jack Sear (@JackSear) January 6, 2020

One club that might have both the resources and the interest in pulling off such a move is Real Madrid, with whom he has frequently been linked.

The 21-year-old said he knows better than to talk about his future amid such speculation, though:

"We are in January—it's the money time of the season. Imagine I answer your question and say something. Everybody will talk about it, and it's not good for PSG.

"Now I'm with PSG and I'm 100 per cent with the club. I want to help the club grow this season, to win a lot of titles, so for me it's not good to talk about [my future]."

Mbappe said PSG have "helped" him and made him a "superstar."

"I have to stay calm and stay focused on PSG," he added. "After that, at the end of the season, we will see."

The France international only turned 21 on December 20, but he is already on his way to becoming one of the most prolific goalscorers in European football.

He's unmatched in Ligue 1:

46 - Top scorers in Ligue 1 since last season

🥇 Kylian Mbappé - 46 goals
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
🥈 Neymar & Moussa Dembélé - 26 goals

Genius. @PSG_English pic.twitter.com/eHDzoRvr2N

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) January 15, 2020

Not many players could force their way into Liverpool's front three at the moment, but Mbappe—who can play on the left, right or through the middle—is among those few.

He'd be an outstanding addition at Real Madrid, too.

Last season, Los Blancos scored 63 goals in La Liga compared with Barcelona's 90. In this campaign they've netted 12 fewer goals after 20 games, but with Mbappe in their ranks Real would be back on level terms with the Catalan giants' attack.

Arsenal's chances of signing Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa during the January transfer window have been played down by the Ligue 1 giants' sporting director. 

Leonardo said "for the moment we have not had any discussions with Arsenal for Layvin Kurzawa," per French source RMC (h/t Metro).

PSG manager Thomas Tuchel appeared to double down on those comments: "I haven't spoken with Layvin or anyone else about his departure this winter. Layvin is number two behind (Juan) Bernat in the left-back position. We need him and Layvin will play (Sunday) against Lorient. He has played well recently."

Leonardo and Tuchel's stance goes against recent reports Kurzawa will soon be an Arsenal player. France Football (h/t Football.London's Josh Challies) reported the 27-year old has agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League side.

Tuchel's assertion Kurzawa has been performing well was tested when the defender took to the pitch for Sunday's Coupe de France game away to FC Lorient. Although Les Parisiens won 1-0, Kurzawa's performance came in for criticism:

Arsenal target Layvin Kurzawa received just a 3/10 rating in @lequipe as PSG scraped past Ligue 2 Lorient in the Coupe de France. "Lorient quickly understood that it was best to attack down his wing".

— Jeremy Smith (@jeremysmith98) January 19, 2020

Reservations about the potential move have also been expressed by former Arsenal midfielder Gilles Grimandi, who also worked as a scout for the north London outfit:

Ex-Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi slams their chase of Layvin Kurzawa: "I don't see the point for Arsenal... I don't see him improving, I don't see him as a boy who has the hunger to attain the highest level." https://t.co/IlVNMqiOz0

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 18, 2020

Despite any concerns, the appeal of the deal for Arsenal is obvious. For one thing, Kurzawa is out of contract in the summer so he could be acquired for a modest fee this month.

A low-cost investment would provide a natural full-back at a position depleted by injuries. Kieran Tierney is out with a dislocated shoulder, while Sead Kolasinac is dealing with a thigh strain and won't be back in training until the winter break in February, per the club's official website.

Injuries have forced Mikel Arteta to turn to academy graduate Bukayo Saka. The 18-year-old is a winger, but he has acquitted himself well in defence.

Saka assisted Gabriel Martinelli's goal during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Sheffield United, prompting The Athletic's Amy Lawrence to question whether signing Kurzawa would stall Saka's development. Arteta has been so impressed by Saka he believes the teenager's progress could best be served at full-back, per Art De Roche of Football.London.

DESIRE.

💪 @BukayoSaka87 pic.twitter.com/yYUukKQdQs

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 19, 2020

Saka's progress aside, Arsenal need numbers at full-back. The position has taken on greater significance since Arteta's arrival given the Spaniard's history working with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Full-backs are expected to tuck into the middle more often off the ball to deny teams opportunities on the break. They also need to spend more time in possession, skills athletic and technically sound Kurzawa has if he could regain his best form.