Arsenal Transfer News: Isco Offer to Tempt Real Madrid, Lukas Podolski Latest

Arsenal are said to be considering a £36.6 million move for Real Madrid star Isco, according to Spanish press.

The Gunners were previously linked with a £40 million swoop for the former Malaga star by Anthony Chapman of the Express, but Fichajes.net (h/t Metro) reports Arsene Wenger is willing to drop a slightly cheaper fee on the impressive midfielder.

Isco has broken into the Madrid team with aplomb this season, taking advantage of Gareth Bale's recent injury problems to cement his place in Carlo Ancelotti's side. The 22-year-old has provided one goal and five assists in 12 La Liga starts, per WhoScored.com, and has noticeably upped his work rate to offer Los Blancos much-needed balance in the centre.

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Wenger is "expected to make him a contract offer to try and tempt the playmaker to switch clubs," according to Metro's translation. Although such a move could have been viable during the summer, Isco's performances have led Ancelotti to publicly swoon over his quality.

The Italian boss recently admitted he may have found his long-term replacement for Luka Modric, saying, "Isco has shown that he can play in that position perfectly," reported by Marca.

Real Madrid TV presenter Phil Kitromilides provided further compliments from Ancelotti:

This controlling, authoritative and incisive style in possession may tempt Wenger, particularly as Jack Wilshere could miss up to four months with his latest ankle problem, per Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail.

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Despite Isco's increased fight, he doesn't possess the natural physicality Arsenal so desperately need to station in front of their defence. Supporters may be concerned to see the club linked to Monaco's Joao Moutinho, who has reportedly handed in a transfer request at the Stade Louis II, per David Wright of the Express.

Although Moutinho is a quality midfielder, he also lacks the powerful stature needed to improve Arsenal's fight through the middle. For all of Isco and Moutinho's hard work, their best attributes shine when they are placed in a midfield that possesses a destroyer.

Football writer Jonathan Wilson recently discussed the poor form of Wenger's current side with B/R UK's Ryan Bailey:

Wenger may try to free some funds up during the winter before dipping into the market. Lukas Podolski remains a prime candidate for departure and has reportedly caught the eye of Juventus, per Calciomercato.com (h/t Alex Richards of the Mirror).

Podolski is yet to start a Premier League or Champions League game this season and recently said, "I'm not some clown who can sit out his contract in the stands," per Telegraph Sport. The 29-year-old wouldn't raise too much of a fee, but getting his wages off the bill may help Wenger make vital improvements in the winter.

Arsenal have failed to win their last three matches and appear susceptible to self-destructing at any time.

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The recent loss to Manchester United highlighted this after leads were thrown away against Anderlecht and Swansea, underlining Wenger's need for additional quality.

Isco is a top-class player, someone who could have a positive impact, but the manager needs to find players who can address Arsenal's essential needs before anything else.