Arsenal Transfer News: Stephan Lichtsteiner Rumours Won't Result in January Move

Manchester United have reportedly moved ahead of Arsenal in the race for Swiss star Stephan Lichtsteiner, but the transfer rumours surrounding the Juventus full-back won't amount to a move in January.

According to the Daily Express' Ben Jefferson, the 30-year-old will join the Red Devils on a free transfer in the summer, forcing the Gunners and Chelsea to make their move in January:

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The Juventus defender is entering the last six months of his current deal and talks over an extension have broken down.

Arsenal and Chelsea have both been monitoring Lichtsteiner's situation having weighed up moves for the Swiss defender in the past.

And while both clubs could look to hijack United's interest by making a bid for the player next month, Juventus are keen to keep hold of one of their stars for as long as possible.

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Jefferson cites "reports from Spain" as the source for this latest rumour. Why the Spanish media or local sources would have knowledge of these developments instead of Italian or British sources is a question he never poses.

Lichtsteiner may not be the most well-known full-back on the market, but his efforts for Juventus during the past two season have seen his value skyrocket. Equally adept to play as a full-back or wing-back, the Swiss international has gained a reputation as one of the world's best since moving to Turin.

The veteran combines a fantastic work ethic and impressive athleticism with good footwork, often contributing to the attack in the form of crosses and goals. He has scored multiple goals during every season he's played for the Bianconeri, adding eight assists in Serie A last season, via WhoScored.com.

Bleacher Report's Adam Digby recently did a feature on Lichtsteiner, and his conclusion was telling:

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It is those small yet significant improvements that will help La Madama progress in Europe, and Lichtsteiner is set to be rewarded for his stellar play. With his current deal set to expire in June, respected journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported the agreement of a new three year contract that will see the player earn around €3 million per season.

Now not only an unsung hero for Juventus but arguably one of the best right-backs in the world, Stephan Lichtsteiner has earned every penny of it.

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That new contract Digby mentions is being widely discussed in Italian media. According to Tuttomercadoweb (h/t Khaled Al Nouss), Juventus and Lichtsteiner recently came to an agreement on a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2017:

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Lichtsteiner has accepted the renewal offer made for him by Juventus until 2017 with an option for another yr worth €3m/season. [TMW]

— Khaled Al Nouss (@KhaledAlNouss) December 26, 2014"

Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia) reported the same thing, with an announcement expected after the holiday period:

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Today, Tuttosport indicates that the agreement has been finalised and that an official announcement is imminent. The new contract will see Lichtsteiner earning €3m a year until 2017.

This dashes reported hopes from United, who were reported last week to have offered a check for €25m to have the player in January.

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English media have been reporting about a lack of progress in discussions for months now, ignoring seemingly every report coming out of Italy, where it has been generally accepted the Swiss star would re-sign for weeks.

Lichtsteiner has been playing in Italy since 2008, moving from Lazio to Juventus when Antonio Conte took over as manager in Turin. He's been one of the club's most consistent performers from his first day, even scoring the first official goal at the new Juventus Stadium:

A regular starter under Massimiliano Allegri, he has given no indication of being unhappy in Turin. While he might leave the club for the right transfer offer, it seems impossible Juventus will let him walk for nothing during the summer.

If Arsenal wanted to make a move for Lichtsteiner in January, any offer would have to be substantial. As reported by Tuttosport, United's apparent offer was €25 million, which is substantial for a 30-year-old defender.

Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Janusz Michallik recently broke down Arsenal's transfer needs in January, highlighting the back four and a physical presence in midfield:

But while the Gunners desperately need some depth at the centre-back position, a full-back isn't really needed. Mathieu Debuchy was brought in during the summer—he's the designated starter when healthy, and it makes little sense to throw more money at the position just months later.

Unlike Calum Chambers, who has the versatility to play all over the back four and even as a holding midfielder, Lichtsteiner is a wide defender and nothing more. He won't be of much use in the heart of the defence, where he can't use his incredible motor and athleticism to make a difference.

It seems unlikely he'll move in January anyhow, but even if he did, it's hard to fathom the Gunners would spend big on a veteran contributor at a position that isn't a clear need. Fans of the club might as well ignore this rumour, as it simply won't come to pass.

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