Arsenal Transfer News: Joao Moutinho Reacts to Rumours, Munir El Haddadi Latest

It appears Arsene Wenger will look to beef up his creative ranks this winter after reports emerged linking the Arsenal manager with moves for Monaco's Joao Moutinho and Barcelona starlet Munir El Haddadi.

However, his chances of signing Moutinho in the winter window appear slim after the attacking midfielder recently insisted his focus lays entirely with Monaco, per David Wright of the Daily Express.

"I am not thinking about the January window, nor am I thinking about the end of the season," he said. "I don’t want anything to do with that. I am focused on Monaco."

Lionel Cironneau/Associated Press

Wenger's interest in Moutinho runs back to the Portugal international's days as a Porto playmaker, but in dissuading talk of a move away from his Ligue 1 setting, the book may be considered closed on his capture.

Valued at £30 million, the miss may not be so tragic for the Gunners, who already have at their disposal a considerable array of players who play in similar roles to the Monaco marvel.

Mesut Ozil will return from injury in the new year, while Santi Cazorla has enjoyed an impressive return to form in his absence.

As Squawka attests, the Spaniard was brilliant in Arsenal's recent 4-1 routing of Newcastle United:

However, with Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta sidelined with injuries, Wenger may have been eyeing Moutinho for a deeper central role. What's more, it's just been revealed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may be joining his out-of-action team-mates, per the Telegraph:

While the move for Moutinho looks unlikely, bringing in the talents of Munir on loan from Barca would be a similarly difficult task, with interest in his services rising.

The Camp Nou winger is said by the Express' Wright to want a loan move away from his current setting in order to earn first-team football, putting Europe's giants on high alert.

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

There's little concern of the Spain international moving away on permanent terms, considering the club's official website last week announced his contract had been extended, replete with a €35 million release clause.

However, El Desmarque (h/t 101GreatGoals) proclaims that Real Betis want to keep the youngster in his native Spain:

Munir only made his senior debut for Luis Enrique's side this year after his manager was found short on resources, but impressive displays have led to the forward being tipped as one of the club's brightest assets.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Like so many others to come through La Masia, the 19-year-old is now going in search of a more prominent role in order to strut his quality.

Should claims regarding Munir's desires be true, Wenger would do well to get his hands on an exciting and cost-effective winter alternative, although he's likely to face a wealth of competition in the hunt to land Barca's young star.