Arsenal Transfer News: Rumours on Krystian Bielik, Yaya Sanogo

The January transfer window is nearly upon us, and according to the latest reports, Arsenal are planning on getting their business done early. Rumours have been swirling for weeks now, linking a number of talented players with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners' 2014-15 campaign has been a bit of a mixed bag so far, but the squad has improved in the past few weeks, with several pivotal contributors returning to full health. One or two key signings could swing momentum squarely in the club's favour, so let's have a look at the latest reports regarding Arsene Wenger's January business.

Opening Bid for Krystian Bielik Rejected

Polish youngster Krystian Bielik's move to north London seemed all but a certainty in the past few days, but according to Eurosport Poland (h/t 101 Great Goals), discussions between Arsenal and Legia Warsaw are far from over.

According to the Polish media portal, several other clubs have stepped up their interest, and the 16-year-old's current club is holding out for a higher fee:

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Arsenal’s move for Legia Warsaw’s 16-year-old midfielder Krystian Bielik, has been considered in some quarters to already be a done deal.

Bielik is just 16 but looks physically capable to already step into the Arsenal first team, where he to move from Poland to the Emirates in January.

However, in recent days, Roma have reportedly joined the race for Bielik and now Legia Warsaw appear to be playing hardball over the fee, according to Eurosport Poland.

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Sport Witness provided more detail, explaining how several clubs from the Bundesliga are now looking at the talented midfielder, who has already made up his mind about his next club:

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I confess that I'm a little bit afraid. Only a madman would have no concerns... However, you have to be confident, and I'm sure in myself and my abilities. 

If I go it's not to be more in the media, but just to fulfil dreams and fight for a place in the line-up. I'm not saying that at once I'll be in the Arsenal starting XI, but I would like to be an important and positive figure in the eyes of coach Wenger.

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Bundesliga Vavel's Marco Conradie knows Hamburg and Stuttgart are looking at the teenager:

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Both Hamburger SV and VfB Stuttgart are keen on 16-year-old Legia Warsaw midfielder Krystian Bielik, who is expected to sign for Arsenal.

— Marco Conradie (@MarcoConradie10) December 28, 2014"

Despite his young age, Bielik is built like a grown man and plays the game much in the same way. He has impressive vision and good passing ability, and his incredible athletic ability and physique allow him to boss midfield proceedings against players his own age.

He has limited experience playing on the senior level, however, and will likely need a lot of seasoning before he's ready to make an impact on the Premier League level. He's expected to skip Arsenal's youth set-up and go straight to the senior side, but whether he'll be able to immediately contribute is questionable.

If he did, he'd be a most-welcome signing as a holding midfielder, as explained by Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Janusz Michallik:

Bielik is still expected to sign for Arsenal, and the interest of Hamburg, Stuttgart and AS Roma should only impact the eventual transfer fee. The teenager wants to be a Gunner, and he is an interesting prospect at a position of need for the club. If money is the issue, said issue should be resolved before long.

Yaya Sanogo Loan Deal in the Making?

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

According to the Daily Star's Alex Harris, French reports indicate Arsenal and Bordeaux are talking about a deal that would see Yaya Sanogo move to Ligue 1 for the remainder of the season.

The young forward has struggled for playing time in 2014-15 and is expected to leave the club in January on a temporary basis, with Crystal Palace and Lorient mentioned as possible destinations.

Bordeaux have now apparently opened talks, however, with the player himself interested in the move:

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The France Under-21 international has struggled for game time since joining the Gunners from Auxerre on a free transfer last year and he is expected to be allowed to temporarily leave the club next month.

Managerless Crystal Palace and French outfit Lorient have been linked with a move for Sanogo but Bordeaux have begun talks over a loan deal with Arsenal.

Reports in France suggest the 21-year-old is interested in the chance to join the Ligue 1 side while Arsene Wenger is keen for the starlet to get a regular run of first team football.

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The 21-year-old made a name for himself in his native France, playing for Auxerre, but he has been unable to make a smooth transition since crossing the Channel and moving to the Premier League. In 18 months at Arsenal, he's yet to score a single Premier League goal.

A temporary move back to Ligue 1 may be appealing for the youngster, but whether it's a wise move is a different question. While it would undoubtedly be good for his confidence and playing time, it won't help him adapt to the speed and physicality of English football.

Bleacher Report UK's James McNicholas also prefers a domestic loan:

Crystal Palace are still without a manager, but once the Eagles get their internal business sorted, a cross-London loan would be the perfect alternative. The Gunners could keep a close eye on Sanogo, who wouldn't be spending so much time on the bench and could actually get an extended taste of Premier League action.

Bordeaux makes for an excellent alternative, but if a Premier League option is there, that's the road Wenger should follow.

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