It's not just Wojciech Szczesny's cigarettes that are burning brightly. After a quiet start to the transfer period Arsenal have flared into life in the transfer market after being linked with several comings and goings.
But, much to the relief of Szczesny, it is a goalkeeper who was once tipped to take over the number one jersey at the Emirates who is centre of attention.
• Manchester United are poised to sign former Barcelona stopper Victor Valdes who has been a free agent since the summer and has been training with Louis van Gaal's team for the last two months as he recovers from injury. His arrival at Old Trafford is not a major surprise, but it does raise questions about the future of David de Gea, or at least it does for the Daily Telegraph. The paper notes that United's current number one, who has been inspired this season, "has been linked with a move to Real Madrid as they search for a long-term replacement for Iker Casillas". What's more De Gea has yet to extend his contract, which only has 18-months to run.
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• Gerrard LA Galaxy move confirmed - but it's Liverpool's own fault
• The Daily Star makes the eyecatching claim that Arsenal are about to smash their transfer record and offer Real Madrid £64m for their second-string midfielder Isco, who is apparently fed up with watching Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale from the bench. The paper itself admits that the reports are "incredible", but insists that Arsenal believe Isco is the man they need to mount a title challenge and that he can be lured away from the Bernabeu.
• Less incredible is the Daily Telegraph's claim that the Gunners have identified Morgan Schneiderlin of Southampton (above) as one of their main targets for 2015. The Saints midfielder was linked to the Gunners in the summer and actively agitated for a move away from the south coast before accepting defeat and hunkering down at St Mary's. Spurs were also keen on the Frenchman in 2014 but their £10m summer bid was rejected by the Saints. Despite the renewed interest in the Frenchman the paper says that Schneiderlin, now valued at £20m, is unlikely to move this month.
• ESPN reports that Bordeaux are increasingly confident of landing Yaya Sanogo on loan this month. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said recently he believes it would be in the best interests of the gangly 21-year-old striker if he was farmed out to another Premier League club. But Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has claimed Sanogo is making eyes at them. In conversation with a French radio station, Triaud declared: "Sanogo has chosen Bordeaux. We expect a response from Arsenal." Sanogo has failed to live up to Wenger's expectations since arriving from Auxerre 18 months ago, but ESPN says Bordeaux want him as a temporary replacement for leading scorer, Cheick Diabate, currently sidelined till the spring with a knee injury.
• According to Sky Sports Arsenal "have had a bid rejected" by Legia Warsaw for 17-year-old Krystian Bielik. Apparently the Gunners tabled a £1.6m bid for the Polish playmaker but that initial offer was knocked back by Legia. Sky Sports reports that while the Polish side would dearly love to hold on to the teenage midfielder they would be prepared to wave goodbye if Arsenal came up with an offer in the region of £2.3m. Wenger is cautiously optimistic a deal will be agreed as he reportedly enjoys a good relationship with Legia following the purchase of Wojciech Szczesny in 2006.
• Arsenal, along with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, have been told to forget about signing Julian Draxler anytime soon. The Daily Star says that all four Premier League clubs have been tracking the 21-year-old midfielder but their interest won't get them anywhere for the time being, regardless of whether they stump up Draxler's £37m buy-out clause. Speaking to German rag Bild, Schalke chief Clemens Tonnies declared: "We have absolutely no thoughts about him leaving on short notice. Schalke is the place where he can develop best and I told him that in person."
• BBC Sport claims that Manchester City "are in advanced talks" with Swansea City over a £30m move for striker Wilfried Bony. The Ivory Coast hitman has been linked with a host of big clubs in recent months and it seems the 26-year-old is close to agreeing terms with the reigning league champions. The Beeb says that though Bony signed a new contract in November, which did away with the £20m release clause in his original contract, Swansea "can now demand £30m" for the African ace.
• The Daily Express has been reading Spanish paper Marca and as a result claims Liverpool midfielder Suso "will leave the club at the end of the season". His destination will be AC Milan and the Express says the 21-year-old has agreed a four year deal to play for the Serie A the moment his Liverpool contract expires. Suso arrived at Anfield as a 16-year-old, signing a professional contract in 2012, but never quite making the grade on Merseyside. Last season he enjoyed a successful loan spell with Spanish club Almeria and the Express says his move to Milan will be permanent.
• One deal already done and dusted concerns veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. The Australian joins Leicester on an 18-month deal and the club couldn't hide its delight in announcing the move on its official website. "Mark, 42, joins the Foxes on a free transfer from Chelsea and brings a wealth of top-flight experience," ran a statement.
