Arsenal Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of September 15

The Arsenal rumour mill never stops rolling.

The transfer window shut a couple of weeks ago, but stories are still circulating linking the Gunners with a variety of players.

With Mathieu Debuchy now injured, we can expect a flurry of new stories linking Arsene Wenger with free-agent defenders. There will also inevitably be reports of forthcoming January targets.

Keep your eyes on this piece for the latest on Arsenal's transfer objectives.

-Last updated: Saturday, September 20- 

William Carvalho to Sign New Deal in Lisbon

Darko Bandic/Associated Press

Saturday, September 20

According to The Record (h/t The Mirror), Arsenal target William Carvalho is set to sign a new deal to remain in Portugal.

Given Arsenal's persisting need for a powerful holding midfielder, that would be a blow. If Carvalho is available, the Gunners might well intend to come back for him in January.

Arsenal Linked with Another Barcelona Star

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Tuesday, September 16

Will Giles of The Metro reports on stories from Spanish website fichajes.net that long-term Arsenal target Pedro could become available in January:

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Barcelona star Pedro has put Arsenal and Liverpool on red alert after reports surfaced that the winger is ready to quit the club in the new year after growing concerned that he’ll be left as a luxury back-up to Luis Suarez.

The Spaniard, who has not completed 90 minutes for Barca this season, is  believed to be worried that he will sink even further down the Barcelona pecking order when the Uruguayan returns from suspension, and Fichajes.net claims that the 27-year-old would be keen to listen to offers from both the Gunners and Brendan Rodgers’ Reds when the transfer window re-opens in January.

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However, with Arsenal currently well-stocked in wide areas, a bid seems unlikely.

Arsenal Miss out on Mario Yepes

Fernando Vergara/Associated Press

Monday, September 15

Arsenal have missed their opportunity to sign Colombian veteran Mario Yepes.

The centre-half was available on a free transfer, and he had been named as an Arsenal target by the Daily Star (h/t Daily Mirror).

However, Reuters report that he has instead signed for Argentinian side San Lorenzo. 

Arsenal Target Barcelona Star

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Monday, September 15

Arsenal are reportedly targeting a move for Spanish striking sensation Munir El Haddadi.

According to Joe Short of the Daily Express, the move has already been agreed on a preliminary basis ahead of the January transfer window:

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Arsenal have struck a deal with Barcelona to sign Spanish starlet Munir El-Haddadi for a modest £9.4m fee.

Reports claim the Gunners have met Munir's release clause, and will wrap-up a deal for the coveted youngster in January. 

Though Barcelona want to retain their recently capped Spanish international, his lowly release clause means the player has full control over his future, and is likely to opt for the club who offers him regular first-team football.

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However, with Munir already making appearances for the Barcelona first team this season, his desire for regular football may be satisfied in Spain.

As a result, Arsenal's move for the player may be doomed to fail.