Arsenal Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 29

It's finally here: This week, the transfer window will open.

It will come as some relief to Arsenal, who have had to struggle through the first half of the season without the requisite number of defenders. Arsene Wenger should be moving as quickly as possible to sign the reinforcements required to survive the rest of the campaign.

Check back on this slideshow over the coming week to keep up to date on Arsenal's transfer activity thus far.

Last updated: Friday, January 2 

Lukas Podolski's Move to Inter Is Back On!

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Friday, January 2

It seems Arsene Wenger's dismissal of Inter Milan's bid for Lukas Podolski was a mere negotiating tactic.

Speaking to David Hytner of The Guardian, Wenger confirmed the Italians had returned with a more reasonable second bid:

"

The first proposal [of Inter] was farcical. After, they come back a bit more serious. We will see what happens. Is the move inevitable? Inevitable in a transfer is very difficult to say but we’ll see what happens. Of course, Podolski is open [to the move].

"

It now seems inevitable that he will move to Italy soon after the window officially opens.

Arsene Wenger Makes a Midfielder His Priority

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Wednesday, December 31

Speaking to David Hytner of The Guardian, Arsene Wenger has made it clear that his priority for the January transfer window is to sign a new midfield player:

"

If you look at the number of games some players played and the injuries we have with Jack Wilshere, Aaro Ramsey and Mikel Arteta, we are a bit short at the moment in midfield.

"

Arsenal fans will hope that's an indication that he will soon end the long wait for a defensive midfield player.

Arsene Wenger Slams Inter over Lukas Podolski Move

Emrah Gurel/Associated Press

Tuesday, December 30

Arsene Wenger has hit out at Inter Milan over their supposed bid for Lukas Podolski.

Speaking to David Hytner of The Guardian, Wenger said:

"

They talk. There is only talks. Podolski is a player of Arsenal football club and I want him to stay. Apart from that, what it is to be professional is that as long as you are somewhere, you give your best to justify your wages and your love for the club. I hope that he will still be an Arsenal player at the end of January. Inter? That is a joke. Inter is not serious.

"

It seems his fury is focused on Inter's desire to take the player on loan. Wenger would prefer a permanent move, and is unwilling to entertain the Italian's attempt to seal a temporary deal.

William Carvalho Rumours Gather Pace

Monday, December 29

Arsenal's fans are praying that this is the window in which Arsene Wenger finally ends the wait for a new holding midfielder.

Simon Rice of The Independent suggests the main target will be Portugal international William Carvalho.

With a fee of £20 million touted for his services, he wouldn't come cheap, but that's a small price to pay to shore up Arsenal's vulnerable midfield. 

Lukas Podolski Headed for Arsenal Exit

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Monday, December 29

Lukas Podolski's time at Arsenal appears to be hurriedly approaching an end.

Matt Barlow of the Daily Mail reports that after constructive talks in London, officials from Inter Milan believe the German international will join them after Arsenal's game with Southampton on New Year's Day.

Podolski remains the club's most efficient finisher, but has struggled to nail down a regular place in the team. It seems Arsene Wenger has finally decided to cut his losses.