Arsenal Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 1

The January transfer window is now just one month away from opening.

With that, there seems to be a slight shift in terms of the stories circulating about Arsenal's potential business.

For weeks now, the discussion has focused on which centre-back they might recruit. However, with injuries to both Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere, speculation is beginning to suggest they may also look to bring in a midfielder.

Over the coming week, we'll track the latest news and rumours about Arsenal's January activity.

Last updated: Wednesday, December 3

Arsenal Linke with Christoph Kramer

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Wednesday, December 3

Arsenal have been linked with World Cup-winner Christoph Kramer. According to Alex Harris of the Daily Star, the German midfielder is seen as a viable alternative if the Gunners fail to land his compatriot Sami Khedira from Real Madrid. 

Kramer has previously expressed an interest in leaving German football, telling the same paper:

"

That [moving abroad] has always interested me. I would not be afraid.

I want to find out what my limit is and I always strive for the very best.

"

Arsenal would seemingly suit Kramer's ambitions.

Arsenal Warned over Virgil Van Dijk Fee

EuroFootball/Getty Images

Tuesday, November 2

Arsenal have been warned that Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk will not come cheap. 

Manager Ronny Deila told talkSPORT:

"

It will not be a surprise for me if there is interest in Van Dijk in January, but he will be very expensive.

Van Dijk is a fantastic player who keeps on improving and I hope he stays with us.

"

It seems that Arsenal will have to spend big if they watch to land the Dutch centre-half.

Arsenal Scout Cristian Ledesma

Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Monday, December 1

This is a curious one.

According to Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail, Arsenal are keeping tabs on veteran Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma. 

Ledesma's agent, Vincenzo D'Ippolito,  is quoted confirming Arsenal's supposed interest: "It is true, Arsenal are interested in Cristian. There have been scouts [watching], we'll see if there will be an opportunity to examine an offer."

It's not clear exactly what those scouts have been watching, as Ledesma has barely figured for Lazio this season.

It seems an unlikely deal, but given that Arsenal signed Kim Kallstrom last January, it's impossible to rule anything out. 

Gunners Linked with Brazilian Midfielder

Bruno Magalhaes/Associated Press

Monday, December 1

According to The Sun (h/t the Daily Mirror), Arsenal are tracking Cruzeiro's Brazilian midfielder Lucas Silva.

Real Madrid and Manchester United are both reportedly in for the 21-year-old, but the Gunners are looking to pip them at the post with a late bid of around £12 million.

Arsenal have already had one great Brazilian midfielder called Silva. This boy could be the next.