Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Joao Moutinho, William Carvalho, Alessio Cerci

Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendes is said to have "touched base" with Arsene Wenger over a possible move for Monaco's Joao Moutinho, according to Ben Jefferson of the Express.

The well-rounded midfielder is reportedly frustrated by the principality club's willingness to cash in on stars including James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao.

Jefferson suggested a "possible move" to either Arsenal or Chelsea could ensue, particularly as Monaco need funds to replace striker Lacina Traore, who is set to miss vital matches during Cote d'Ivoire's January run through the African Cup of Nations.

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Mendes negotiated massive deals for multiple clients during the summer, with Moutinho possibly the next in line.

Wenger will certainly be open to options in January. Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia suggests Arsenal have "already contacted Atletico (Madrid)" over the possible signing of Alessio Cerci. The Italian has failed to impress since heading to the Vicente Calderon—scoring one goal in seven substitute appearances, per WhoScored.com—and he "could be leaving for either England or Italy," according to Di Marzio.

Cerci can play anywhere across the front line, but with Lukas Podolski impressing against Galatasaray, Wenger may be better off focusing on obvious weaknesses. Tom Collomosse of the London Evening Standard believes Roma have offered Mattia Destro to the club for £15 million, but his capture would lessen funds needed in other areas.

Arsenal have craved a dominant midfield destroyer for years, with Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho continuing to be linked with the club, per the Daily Star (h/t Mirror). B/R UK's James McNicholas recently explained why he could solve Arsenal's problems in the centre:

Sporting boss Marco Silva recently admitted "William is a target for English teams," as reported by Hannah Duncan of the Metro. The hulking midfielder hasn't impressed as thoroughly this year, perhaps due to increased expectation, but he can still plug obvious gaps in the Gunners midfield. 

Wenger recently admitted he is yet to begin work on January targets and may focus on bringing in younger talents, per Arsenal's official Twitter feed:

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The club can look forward to an exciting Champions League challenge after Christmas. Top quality reinforcements are needed if the north London club are to put together a European run, and indeed, finish in the Premier League's top four.

Plenty of options are likely to open up for the side who have seemed one or two world-class players short of a genuine title challenge for quite some time.