Arsenal Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of October 27

With Arsenal defenders dropping like flies, Gunners fans can hardly wait for the January transfer window to open.

Kieran Gibbs is the latest defender to fall foul of an injury, and Arsenal are now scrabbling around to try to field a cogent back four.

Check back on this piece over the coming week to track the latest news and rumours about which defensive players Arsenal are pursuing ahead of the window.

-Last updated: Friday, October 31- 

Perry Groves Urges Arsenal to Sign Sami Khedira

David Ramos/Getty Images

Friday, October 31

Former Gunner Perry Groves believes Arsenal can still challenge for the title if they sign Real Madrid's Sami Khedira in January.

He told the London Evening Standard (h/t The Mirror):

"

He would give Arsenal something different. A lot of their midfield players are very similar, very technically gifted players but Khedira will win the ball back to allow others to go and play.

If they can get to within six or seven points by the time the January transfer window opens and then sign Khedira, they could win it.

"

It'll be fascinating to see if Arsenal intensify their pursuit of the World Cup-winner in January.

Arsenal Linked with Grzegorz Krychowiak

Alik Keplicz/Associated Press

Wednesday, October 29

According to TMW (h/t talkSPORT), Arsenal are lining up a January bid for Sevilla's holding midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak.

The Polish international only moved to Spain this summer, but his eye-catching performances have apparently already attracted the attention of Arsene Wenger.

Sevilla will most likely to unwilling to let Krychowiak leave so soon, so Wenger may have to wait until at least the summer to get his man.

Virgil van Dijk Comments on Arsenal Speculation

Christian Hofer/Getty Images

Monday, October 27

Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk has told Sky Sports (h/t Metro) that he is flattered by Arsenal's supposed interest:

"

Arsenal are an amazing club.

It’s a big club with a great history. I’m happy here just now and I want to play well and we’ll see what happens in the future.

Until there are bids I can’t say thing. There is no rush to leave but you never know in the future.

"

It would be no great surprise to see Arsenal test Celtic's resolve with a big-money bid in January. 

Sami Khedira Lowers Wage Demands

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Monday, October 27

Although Arsenal's primary objective in the transfer window will surely be a new centre-half, they'll also be looking for someone to strengthen their options in central midfield.

According to Charles Perrin of the Daily Express, the midfield void could be filled by Real Madrid's Sami Khedira. The World Cup winner is reportedly willing to drop his wage demands to force through a move to London.