Arsenal Transfer News: Mattia Destro Deal Likely, Latest on Gabriel Paulista

Roma's Mattia Destro is "likely" to join Arsenal during the January transfer window, according to Bruce Archer of the Daily Star.

Archer cites "reports in Spain" that suggest Destro could be brought in to replace Yaya Sanogo after he joined Crystal Palace on loan during the current window.

Arsenal are also linked Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Argentine starlet Paulo Dybala, who continues to impress for Palermo this season, per James Orr of The Independent.

President at the Italian club Maurizio Zamparini recently suggested Dybala is likely to pen a new deal, despite obvious interest from Europe's elite, per Orr:

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We are very close to a contract renewal and it’s a matter of days, but the negotiations are being complicated by the vultures circling him. Due to this pressure, it will be difficult to keep hold of him at the end of the season. I don’t want to sell my best players, it is they who cannot say no when offered four or five times what they can earn here. However, if I find a strong economic partner, then I’m keeping him.

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Both Destro and Dybala represent interesting prospects for the Gunners. The former has netted five times in 16 Serie A appearances this season, per WhoScored.com, with his overall game improving in the process. Dybala is one of the hottest young properties in Europe, however, having netted 10 and assisted six in 19 displays this campaign.

In fact, Dybala's showing against Sampdoria on Sunday was the first time in 10 matches that he has failed to score or assist.

Destro appears the more likely signing for Arsenal right now, particularly as speculation suggests Manchester United will also attempt to capture Dybala as soon as possible, per Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror. You can check his qualities below:

Arsene Wenger is currently on the brink of confirming his second signing of the winter, with Villarreal's Gabriel Paulista close to completing his switch to England.

"It's very very very close, and I think we'll get over the line tonight and tomorrow," said Wenger, per Orr.

The player was granted his work permit on Monday, per Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph:

Paulista will add much-needed depth to the north London side's defensive ranks as the schedule ramps up. Arsenal remain in contention for the FA Cup and Champions League, not to mention their quest to regain the Premier League's fourth spot to ensure they remain among Europe's elite next season.

B/R UK's James McNicholas recently assessed those being linked with the club:

Wenger failed to sign a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen during the summer, but he looks to be making up for it by securing Paulista. Arsenal continue to fall short of a legitimate title challenge and will need to continue improving if they're to develop into a threat for the crown.

At least Wenger isn't performing how he did last January—which saw him bring in an injury-riddled Kim Kallstrom on loan—and is providing Arsenal with a decent chance to succeed.