Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Adrien Rabiot, Nolito, Mathieu Debuchy Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly pursuing a loan deal for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot as they seek to strengthen in January.  

According to L'Equipe (h/t Ignacio Lujan of Fichajes, via Metro's Jamie Sanderson), Arsenal "have asked PSG to let them sign Rabiot in January" while the Frenchman "asked to leave PSG on loan this week."

Rabiot has either failed to make the matchday squad or has been an unused substitute in eight games this season as Marco Verratti, Blaise Matuidi and Thiago Motta typically comprise their first-choice midfield three.

The Gunners are enduring their annual injury crisis and paying for a failure to add any outfield players to their squad during the summer.

Rabiot would be a useful acquisition, particularly given their current situation. WhoScored.com illustrated his statistically calculated strengths, showing the 20-year-old to be a strong all-rounder:

The youngster is seemingly willing to move away from the French capital in January, but as the first port of call to back up PSG's first-choice trio and a player of considerable promise, Les Parisiens may be reluctant to part with him—even on loan.

It's not inconceivable they'd allow a temporary switch, though, and that could open the door to a permanent transfer in the future should Rabiot have a positive impact at the Emirates Stadium.

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One player the Gunners may not be pursuing after all is Celta Vigo forward Nolito, according to Sky Sports' Guillem Balague:

The Spaniard came to the attention of Europe's top clubs last season after an outstanding campaign that saw him end the season with 13 goals and 14 assists to his name, and he is already well on his way to matching it this year with eight goals and five assists.

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez highlighted the 29-year-old as a standout performer against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid last season:

Arsenal could use another forward option, and Nolito would be a strong candidate, possessing both the ability to create chances for his team-mates and more importantly finish them off, too.

As Balague further noted, the reports should be taken with something of a pinch of salt, so the Gunners may still decide to pursue him.

Though he would seemingly prefer Barcelona, the Catalan giants may not be able to acquire him due to their ongoing financial troubles, and he could be tempted by the prospect of a move to Arsenal.

Potentially on his way out of north London in January is Mathieu Debuchy. According to French outlet RMC (h/t ESPN FC's Mark Rodden), he said: "At the moment, I need game time. The past two games, I haven't been included in the squad. Everything is clear. I need game time and that's why I'll have to discuss it with the coach soon. We'll see what offers there are between now and [January]—if there are any."

Debuchy conceded he was unsure if he'll be allowed to leave but indicated manager Arsene Wenger will be prepared to discuss it with him, adding: "I don't know. We'll discuss it together calmly. We had a discussion in the summer and he told me that if I wasn't happy with my game time we'd sit down and talk about it in December. It's December now so we'll see."

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The Frenchman was a shrewd acquisition for the Gunners from Newcastle United but has been desperately unlucky during his time at the Emirates, suffering a serious injury and, while out, seeing his place usurped by rising star Hector Bellerin.

Debuchy has featured for just 510 minutes this season and is understandably eager for more regular football with Euro 2016 fast approaching.

When fit, the 30-year-old is a useful and experienced back-up to Bellerin, but to be at his best, he needs a run in the team to get back up to speed—something not likely to happen unless the Spaniard suffers an injury.

There will likely be no shortage of suitors willing to recruit him in January, but Arsenal may well feel they can ill afford to thin their squad ahead of the business end of the season, so Debuchy may not get his wish after all.