Arsenal Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of January 19

We're more than halfway through the January transfer window now, and activity should be about to ramp up.

It's been a fairly quiet start to the window, but as it approaches its closure, more clubs will begin to enter the market.

Despite an impressive win at Manchester City, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger knows he still requires reinforcements for the defensive part of his squad.

With one youngster on the verge of completing his move, this could be the week Arsenal finally make a signing. Keep an eye on this piece over the next seven days for the latest on the Gunners' transfer dealings.

-Last updated: Thursday, January 22-

Arsenal Eye Another Brazilian

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Friday, January 23

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail reports that Arsene Wenger is scouring the market as he looks to replace Wojciech Szczesny this summer:

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Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny's position has been cast into further doubt after it emerged the club are monitoring Fiorentina goalkeeper Norberto Neto.

Sportsmail revealed earlier this month that the Gunners will make a new No 1 a summer priority.

And club scouts have made checks on Brazil keeper Neto - who is also a target for Liverpool and Juventus - ahead of a potential summer move.

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This rumour seems purely speculative at present. Despite the fact Szczesny has been dropped, it would be a significant surprise to see him leave Arsenal later this year. With South Americans David Ospina and Emiliano Martinez already at the club, there doesn't appear to be a pressing need for a new goalkeeper.

Arsene Wenger Confirms Gabriel Paulista Talks

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Thursday, January 22

Arsene Wenger has confirmed to the BBC that Arsenal are holding talks to sign Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal. He said:

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The talks are progressing quite well. Can we find an agreement or not I don't know. We are slowly progressing and there is a chance.

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Wenger is infamously loathe to speak publicly about transfers unless he is confident a deal will be reached. It seems it's now merely a matter of time until the transfer is completed.

Arsenal Complete Krystian Bielik Deal

Wednesday, January 21

Arsenal have completed their first signing of the January transfer window after sewing up a deal for Polish teenager Krystian Bielik.

Despite his lack of experience, Arsene Wenger has suggested that he will be part of the first team squad. Bielik goes straight in to contention for the FA Cup game with Brighton this weekend, where he could feature on the substitutes bench.

Gabriel Paulista Deal Edges Closer

Wednesday, January 21

Arsenal are moving ever closer to securing the centre-back they desperately need.

According to Liam Corless of The Mirror, Villarreal boss Marcelino had admitted Gabriel Paulista could be sold this month is the deal represents the best solution "for all parties".

Arsenal will be encouraged by that news as they seek to prise the Brazilian away from La Liga. 

Polish Teenager on the Brink of Signing Arsenal Deal

Monday, January 19

Teenage midfielder Krystian Bielik seems set to become Arsenal's first signing of the January transfer window. The player underwent a medical on Friday, and Arsene Wenger has told David Hytner of The Guardian that the Pole will go straight into the first-team squad:

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Yes, he will go into the first-team squad. He’s a defensive midfielder, 6ft 2in [tall], he has a good energy level and technical level. It’s a gamble but, on what we saw, it’s worth to take the gamble. It’s an awful lot of money for a player if he doesn’t succeed. If he does succeed, then it’s cheap.

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On that evidence, it seems Bielik is the only midfielder Arsenal will bring in during this window. Their focus will now turn to recruiting a new centre-half. 

Brazilian Defender Claims Arsenal Interest

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

Monday, January 19

Arsenal appear to be lining up a move for Gabriel Paulista, Villarreal's Brazilian centre-half.

The player himself is quoted in The Guardian as saying:

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Whether I go to Arsenal or stay at Villarreal, I won’t lose my head. I’m very calm. My head is at Villarreal and I’m very focused. My agent is working on making sure I continue being calm.

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Arsenal can't afford to be too calm. They are running out of time. If Paulista is the man they want, they should move to tie up a deal sooner rather than later.