Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Isco and Kostas Manolas Rumours

Real Madrid midfielder Isco has said he wants to force his selection at the Bernabeu, as rumours circulate Arsenal desire to sign the player in January.

The talented Spaniard scored the Galacticos in their 3-1 win against Las Palmas on Saturday, but he has failed to nail down a regular position within coach Rafael Benitez's team. Isco featured on the right of the attack during the victory, and insisted he only has the intention of being a starter for Los Blancos, saying, per Tom Beck of Goal.com: "I'm comfortable anywhere, as long as it's on the pitch. I will continue working and fighting to make it difficult for the manager."

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Isco's assertions lie in wake of Arsenal's reported interest, after Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (h/t GeorgeBellshaw of Metro) claimed Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will offer an escape route for the playmaker, as he is "keen" on a move away.

Football writer Sergi Dominguez said Benitez has preferable options to Isco already within his ranks:

The midfielder is considered one of La Liga's most creative players, and he would suit the north Londoners' expansive style of play.

Benitez favours workers over flair, and this could see Isco left out in the cold when Madrid have all their options fit and ready.

However, WhoScored.com recently highlighted Isco's knack for finding his strikers as he continues to prove effective wherever Benitez chooses to use him on the field of play:

It is questionable whether the Gunners need yet another diminutive midfielder, as they are already stocked with incredible options through their talent-laden squad.

Mesut Ozil had suffered a tough time at the Emirates in the past 12 months, hit by injury and poor form, but he has found his feet in the new campaign, and he is starting to look like the world-class creator Arsenal signed from Los Blancos. 

James Benge of the Evening Standard reports the German is the most prolific creator in Europe's top five leagues, assisting nine times in 13 games, including twice in Saturday's 3-0 win over Swansea City.

CURTO DE LA TORRE/Getty Images

Isco would serve a similar function to Ozil, should the Spanish international land at Arsenal, and it can be expected another huge fee would need to be paid to Madrid if Wenger wants the player at his disposal. 

Ozil cost £42.5 million from Real when he signed for the Gunners, with Isco in a similar bracket in terms of creativity and status. 

Arsenal Battle Spurs For Manolas

The Gunners will face off against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the services of Roma defender Kostas Manolas.

Tom Hopkinson Sunday People said Arsenal want the Greek international, who has been a sensation for the Giallorossi since his £10 million capture in 2014.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Manolas has fast become an integral part of the Italian capital city club's starting XI, but both Premier League sides now want the defender to strengthen their ranks. 

The regular injuries to centre-back pairing Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker have left Wenger to consider his defensive options as Arsenal fight for the Premier League title. 

Wenger's unit has improved, and they are currently the joint meanest defence in the Premier League, conceding only eight times in 11 outings, but the manager could sign the 24-year-old Greek to vary his options, adding depth and security.

If the French coach can finally sort out the problems he has had over the years with his back four, there's every chance the Gunners will finally break their title duck in 2015-16.