Arsenal Transfer News: Nabil Fekir Shouldn't Top Gunners Wish List in January

Reported Arsenal target Nabil Fekir has told reporters he is flattered the Gunners are interested in his services and hinted at a transfer in the future, but Arsene Wenger should shy away from aggressively pursuing him in January.

The 21-year-old Olympique Lyon midfielder is enjoying a phenomenal season in Ligue 1, and during an interview with Telefoot, he commented on reports Arsenal are looking into his signature, via Goal's Liam Twomey:

"Arsenal? It's a pleasure to know that clubs are interested. But for now I'm well at OL. I'm an ambitious person. I hope I'll get to play in a big club one day. It's a dream. I hope I'll be able to realize it someday."

Any youngster would obviously be delighted to hear there's interest in his services, but Fekir's comments indicate he doesn't consider his current club to be a "big" side, opening the door for a switch to Arsenal.

The midfielder has already scored an impressive six goals in 14 Ligue 1 appearances, via WhoScored.com. Goal's French football expert Robin Bairner has been very impressed with the France youth international's performances:

The situation appears to be perfect for a January swoop, but the Gunners should push the breaks on a potential deal for now. Apart from the usual question marks—is he just having a phenomenal run, or is his potential genuine?—Arsenal are in no position to actively court Fekir.

Wenger is reportedly ready to launch a €10 million offer, and via Bairner, Lyon special adviser and former club legend Bernard Lacombe scoffed at said valuation:

Any transfer under €20 million appears to be out of the question, and while that's relatively fair value for a talented youngster whose production so far has been tantalising, it's money Wenger simply can't afford to spend in January.

Arsenal aren't strapped for cash—far from it—but they don't have the resources the likes of Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City do. And with several clear areas of need heading into the January window, a blockbuster move for a midfielder is off the table.

As shared by Squawka Football, Wenger has already confirmed he'll be looking for defensive reinforcements in January:

The Gunners could buy a very solid centre-back for €20 million, and a single player likely won't plug all the holes that need filling or satisfy the fans. Arsenal need depth along the back four as well as fresh blood at the holding midfielder position.

Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and James McNicholas took a look at Virgil van Dijk, a possible target, and he could be an option for a sum below £10 million:

If the Gunners could bring in three players of that caliber, fans would likely be satisfied with the transfer window, and the team's fortunes would look a lot more positive moving forward.

But those three signings need to happen before Wenger starts looking at an attacking midfielder, or the lack of depth will continue to threaten Arsenal's 2014-15 campaign. That leaves little room to make a move for Fekir, whose impact at the Emirates would likely be limited due to his inexperience anyhow.

Fekir is a talented player and one to watch for the future, but his own progression will only be aided by the consistent playing time he's currently finding in Lyon. The Gunners need to sort their defence first—young talent further up the pitch will have to take a back seat in January.

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