Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Chris Smalling, Yohan Cabaye and Joel Campbell

Arsenal have suffered a setback in their attempts to sign Chris Smalling this winter, but the Gunners can take heart in learning that Yohan Cabaye may be a more available target in January.

Arsene Wenger will also be pleased to hear Joel Campbell state his intention to carry on at the Emirates Stadium despite failing to feature prominently this season.

The north Londoners have a difficult challenge in turning their season around after a disappointing start, and the latest transfer speculation hints at mixed fortunes in the upcoming transfer window.

Chris Smalling

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Louis van Gaal will not sell centre-back Smalling to Arsenal in January amidst the ongoing injury concerns that continue to plague his back line.

According to the Daily Star's Paul Hetherington, a decision won't be made on the defender's future until next summer, such is the concern at Old Trafford following the absences of Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News discusses the injury woes in finer detail, revealing a worrying absence rate among Jones, Evans and Smalling:

Hetherington's report claims Wenger's side would be willing to pay £10 million for Smalling, themselves needing backup in central defence following injury to Laurent Koscielny.

It appears Arsenal may have to start searching elsewhere, however, as Van Gaal has placed a new priority on retaining every defensive asset under his command.

The Bleacher Report pairing of James McNicholas and Ryan Bailey recently discussed Winston Reid as an optimum recruit:

Yohan Cabaye

One year after Paris Saint-Germain won the race to sign the then-Newcastle United playmaker, Cabaye could make the return to England's top flight.

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That's according to the Chronicle's Olivier Bernard, who says with some security that it's "inevitable" the former Magpie will come back to the Premier League in 2015.

Out of favour at the Parc des Princes, Cabaye has also spoke on the matter, and when asked by Canal Plus (h/t Goal.com's Jay Jaffa) whether he'd be seeing out his PSG contract, responded:

"

This is a question I do not ask myself, especially today. The situation at the club is what it is. I love England and it is not a surprise if I say that. Today I am in Paris but I'm not likely to give up. I will fight as I should to deserve what I deserve. Afterwards, if the situation stays like that... But now I don't think about a transfer.

"

Cabaye has started six Ligue 1 matches this season and has failed to star as many thought he might for the French champions. Given the injury troubles of Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta of late, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Gunners once again raise interest in his talent.

The move has taken a wayward route, but Wenger may finally land his compatriot's signature in the new year, where Cabaye could hope to star as a more prominent member of the north Londoners' line-up.

Joel Campbell

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Despite making just two Premier League appearances in the 2014-15 campaign, Arsenal forward Joel Campbell remains "calm" about his situation, he has professed.

Campbell posted a video on his official website (h/t Daily Mail's Chris Waugh), insisting he is not "furious" about his predicament, proclaiming:

"

What they have been saying is not true, I'm very calm. I have not been furious. Obviously, yes, I would like to be playing, but that's something that has to be earned day by day. I have to keep training and waiting for the opportunity, I know it's a very competitive team.

Arsenal is one of the best teams in the world where there are many important players. I have to be patient, keep training and I know my chance will arrive and I'll have to take advantage of it when it comes. [I've learned] a lot (from Arsene Wenger). He is a coach who has many years in football and with Arsenal. I am learning from him and from my peers every day in training. I'm doing my best to be a better player every day.

"

Following last season's impressive loan spell at Olympiakos and a successful run at the 2014 World Cup, Campbell was being tipped as one to watch at the Emirates this term.

His progress has been slower than supposed, but Waugh mentions Serie A giants Juventus and Inter as being among those still interested in his signature.