Andre-Pierre Gignac Rumours Return, Latest on Reported Arsenal Transfer Target

New rumours linking Arsenal with Olympique Marseille's Andre-Pierre Gignac have emerged going into transfer deadline day, as the Gunners are reportedly looking at strengthening their squad for a push into the Premier League's top four.

According to Metro's Will Giles, Italian and Spanish media claim Liverpool and Arsenal are ready to move for the soon-to-be free agent who could be available at a reduced price:

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Gignac, 29, is currently set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and has consequently been linked with a number of high-profile European clubs.

The French international has scored 14 goals in 23 games for the Ligue 1 title contenders this season, and according to reports in Spain and Italian newspaper Tuttosport, both Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in picking up the striker at what could be a knock-down price.

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Goal's Robin Bairner adds Serie A side Lazio Roma to the mix:

The 29-year-old is enjoying another fine season in Ligue 1, scoring 14 goals in 23 appearances for Marseille, per WhoScored.com.

Gignac has the body and instincts of a classic in-the-box striker but displays surprising athleticism for a man his size, and he has a knack for scoring goals from all over the pitch.

As shared by the club's official Twitter feed, his technical ability is good enough for him to hold his own in a game of tennis football, a rarity for big, physical strikers:

Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Frenchman before, as reported by Giles, and with an eye on reinforcing the squad ahead of the second part of the season, a veteran striker with a minimal price tag would not be a bad investment.

Manager Arsene Wenger doesn't expect to see any new arrivals during the winter window, however, via football journalist Pete O'Rourke:

The attacking third certainly doesn't look like Arsenal's biggest weakness moving forward, either, with Olivier Giroud putting in a series of good performances at the striker position and Alexis Sanchez continuing his phenomenal campaign.

Most fans would agree the club's biggest need this season has been consistency along the back four and at the holding midfielder position, but the emergence of Francis Coquelin has silenced calls to bring in a high-priced start for the latter area, while the former has already been addressed, per the Premier League's official Twitter feed:

Gignac is an excellent player, but the veteran striker will be available on a free transfer this summer. Marseille are locked in an intense battle in France for one of the Champions League tickets, so the French side will rather keep their star around for six more months than cash in on a minimal transfer fee right now.

Unless the player himself openly declares his desire to leave right now, Marseille will be unlikely to move him. And even if he would, it would be hard to come up with a deal both sides feel comfortable with this late in the transfer window.

Gignac might join the Gunners in summer—and he would be excellent value as a free transfer—but a midseason move seems highly unlikely. Wenger appears satisfied with his current squad, and if the latest results are any indication, fans shouldn't expect too much turnover on Monday.

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