Arsenal Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 8

Arsenal's defeat at Stoke City served as a timely reminder of the work they need to do in the January transfer window.

Defensive reinforcements are the priority: With Laurent Koscielny's Achilles tendon still proving troublesome, Arsene Wenger must find defenders who offer more experienced cover at centre-half than Calum Chambers and Nacho Monreal.

Stick with this piece over the coming week as we round up the latest transfer stories relating to Arsenal.

Last updated: Wednesday, December 10

Arsenal Target WInston Reid Set to Leave West Ham?

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Wednesday, December 10

According to John Cross of The Mirror, Arsenal target Winston Reid may well be sold by West Ham in January.

The Kiwi defender's contract expires in June, and his wage demand are currently holding back negotiations on any new deal. 

That might suit Arsenal down to the ground, as it could enable them to snare the centre-back for a bargain fee.

Assessing Arsenal Target Virgil Van Dijk

Wednesday, December 10

In this video, we run the rule over possible Arsenal signing Virgil van Dijk.

Former Gunner Praises Arsenal Target

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Monday, December 8

Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk is one of the defenders Arsenal fans hope could arrive in the forthcoming window.

Anthony Stokes is a former Arsenal player and current team-mate of Van Dijk, and he's in no doubt as to the Dutchman's potential. He told Celtic's official website (h/t InsideFutbol.com):

"

He’s still young, but he’s already been in and around the national squad with the Netherlands and that shows just how highly he’s thought of and he’s only going to get better.

As a young player he’s only going to improve and he’s at a very high standard as it is.

"

If Arsenal's scouts deliver similarly positive reports, Van Dijk could well find himself a primary target for Arsenal in January.

Arsenal Linked with Munir El Haddadi

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Monday, December 8

At the start of this season, Munir El Haddadi was the breakout star of the Barcelona team. However, Luis Suarez's return to fitness has seen him relegated to a reserve.

Now, Spanish website Fichajes.net (h/t The Mirror) say he could be a target for Arsenal. While he certainly seems like the sort of young player Arsene Wenger is wont to follow, defensive reinforcements are likely to remain the priority in this window.