Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours, Top Stars Linked with Gunners Move

Arsenal target Jorginho could disappoint the Gunners after it emerged the midfielder has opened contract negotiations with current club Napoli, while Inter have stepped up their interest in Ezequiel Lavezzi.

It's reported Arsene Wenger is looking to recruit Jorginho as competition for incumbent anchor Francis Coquelin, but talkSPORT claims the 23-year-old is in talks to extend his stay in Naples.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Jorginho has played in 11 of Napoli's 12 Serie A games this season and Maurizio Sarri's side are unbeaten in league matches in which the player has featured, failing to lose since an opening-day defeat to Sassuolo.

The central midfielder has earned backing to claim his first international cap for adopted nation Italy, but Di Marzio translator David Amoyal reported Brazil's national team is also interested in his services:

The Gunners have leaned heavily on Coquelin as their main midfield hub since recalling the Frenchman from his loan at Charlton Athletic last season, but Wenger is seeking further options in that department.

However, the north Londoners need not feel immediately saddened by the news Jorginho could stretch his stay in Italy after his agent told Italian outlet Calciomercato.it he's yet to hear new terms (h/t Football Italia):

"

As far as I'm concerned these are just rumours. Nobody got in touch with me. He's young, he plays in a delicate role, he's doing well and so are Napoli. It's normal that rumours should circulate and that some teams should scout him, but there's nothing.

As for his contract renewal, I'm constantly in touch with the club's management, but there are no negotiations taking place with the Azzurri. He still has two-and-a-half years of contract. When the club will believe it is time, they'll come to me. I can't be the one to make the first move, given the duration still left on the contract.

"

Jorginho arrived at Napoli from Hellas Verona in 2014 and has quickly risen to clinch a starting place in Sarri's setup as his team finds itself just two points off the Serie A summit.

The holding star has impressed so much, in fact, that Sky Italia nominated Jorginho as part of their Team of the Season so far, according to Messi Minutes:

Arsenal are tied on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, but strength in depth remains a key concern for the English giants if they're to cope with an ongoing blight of injuries.

The Napoli links are strengthened with the news former Azzurri star Lavezzi is a wanted man at the San Siro, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via talkSPORT). They provided quotes from Inter Sporting Director Piero Ausilio, who admitted the Nerazzurri attempted to sign the winger this past summer:

"

This summer, we tried to sign him [Lavezzi]. We were looking for an attacker, but we finally went for Adem Ljajic. There was little chance to sign Lavezzi, he wanted to play Champions League football. It was a very expensive-looking transfer, we will see what will happen.

"

The Gunners can take heart in the fact Champions League football is a priority for Paris Saint-Germain's Lavezzi, but the Argentina international would still be cup-tied this season should Wenger's side launch a winter move.

Barcelona have been touted as competition for the 30-year-old, who recently professed his "dream" to represent the Catalan giants, per Amoyal, much to Arsenal's disappointment:

There is a silver lining to that news after Spanish newspaper Sport reported last week that Barca have a 15-day window to decide on a deal for the PSG forward, although it's unknown if the same applies to Arsenal.

Lavezzi would be viewed as a very affordable option, running a cost of just €5 million (£3.5 million), and Wenger needs backup out wide after dealing with injuries to Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck this term.

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Inter are also joint leaders in Italy, a setting in which Lavezzi has already enjoyed success following five years with Napoli, meaning Arsenal may face a fight to convince him of a move to England.

Inter may be considered more serious competition in the January window depending on how eager PSG are to reach a deal before Lavezzi's contract expires in June.