Arsenal transfer news: Julian Weigl, Houssem Aouar, Juan Mata, Ousmane Dembele

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl has won five caps for Germany

(Image credit: Maja Hitij/Bongarts/Getty Images)

published 23 November 2018

Weighing up a move for Weigl

There is a plot afoot at Arsenal with the club’s “transfer guru” Sven Mislintat ready to make a move for Julian Weigl.

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The 23-year-old defensive midfielder has fallen out of favour under manager Lucien Favre at Borussia Dortmund and that’s come to the attention of the Gunners, who believe he has the right qualities to make a fist of it at the Emirates Stadium.

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Having prised Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sokratis Papastathopoulos from the German side this year will it be a hat-trick of transfers?

Taking its cue from German daily Sport Bild, The Sun says that Arsenal will table an offer for Weigl in January. But the Gunners may have to hang on until the summer with Dortmund “unlikely” to shake up their squad mid-season as they push for a first Bundesliga title since 2012.

Despite his bit-part status at Dortmund, Weigl “would likely command a whopping transfer fee of £68m”.

Arsenal eyeing Aouar

Described by the Daily Mail as a “highly-rated midfielder”, Houssem Aouar is being tracked by Arsenal after two seasons of consistent excellent for Lyon in Ligue 1.

Still only 20, the tireless playmaker has come to the attention of Arsenal scouts after his dazzling performances in this season’s Champions League.

Gunners gaffer Unai Emery is drawing up a list of players who could replace Aaron Ramsey when the Welshman moves on at the end of the season, and Aouar is near the top.

Likened to a young Philippe Coutinho, the Frenchman has scored five times for Lyon this season and although Chelsea were ready to rival Arsenal for his hand they have instead switched their attention to Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic.

Mata still a target

Arsenal have “been given hope” in their courting of Manchester United star Juan Mata, claims Football.London, citing a report from ESPN.

The Spanish midfielder is still mulling over his future at Old Trafford, but it appears that the 30-year-old feels the time is right for one final fresh start.

Described as being “in no rush to sign a new deal” with United, Mata likes and admires Arsenal boss Emery and that could be the clincher when he comes to making his decision.

Gunners make Dembele enquiry

According to a report in Spanish newspaper Sport, Arsenal have contacted Barcelona to ask about Ousmane Dembele’s situation at the Camp Nou. The Gunners are said to be monitoring the French forward’s availability closely.