Arsenal Transfer News: Javier Hernandez, Daniele Rugani, Top Gunners Rumours

Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has reportedly emerged as Arsenal's primary target for the January transfer window as the Gunners look to maintain their Premier League title challenge.

Spanish publication Don Balon (h/t Liam Corless of the Mirror) claim Chicharito's signature has become a priority for manager Arsene Wenger, as the Mexican takes the Bundesliga by storm after departing Old Trafford in the summer.

The 27-year-old poacher has hit 18 goals for Bayer Leverkusen this term, and he would add firepower to an Arsenal attack that is hugely reliant on Olivier Giroud.

The Frenchman has hit form for the Emirates Stadium club this season, driving the Gunners' title charge, and into the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Here is a video of Chicharito scoring a hat-trick in the Bundesliga, proving why he is currently in demand:

Chicharito was ruthlessly shown the exit by United manager Louis van Gaal, and the player recently commented on his departure from English football.

According to Marca, Hernandez told Movistar+: "I spoke with Van Gaal and he said that I only had a one per cent chance of playing in my position, so I headed to Bayer. I felt confident from the very first day. I feel important, not just because of my goals, but because I feel that I'll start every game." 

EMMANUEL DUNAND/Getty Images

United goalkeeper David de Gea gave his thoughts on the striker, and said he is one of the best on the planet, per ESPN Deportes show Fuera De Juego (h/t ESPN FC.)

The Spaniard was candid with his opinion on Chicharito's abilities and was quoted as saying: 

"

I don't know [why he left]. These are decisions for the coach. But in my team he would always play.

He was an undisputed starter before and player of the year at United. He can get you 20, 30 goals a season.

I would like a lot to play with him again, hopefully it can happen.

"

Whether Chicharito would be a starter at Arsenal is debatable, and the player struggled at United due to a lack of quality in his all-round game. He is a superb finisher but is often caught offside, and his technical acumen can be called into question at the highest level.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

In other news, Arsenal's chase for Juventus starlet Daniele Rugani could be over after the youngster told JTV (h/t Football Italia) he is focusing on representing the Old Lady of Italian football.

The highly rated defender, 21, proclaimed he wants to "carve out" a spot in the Juve squad:

"

My dream for the season is to carve out as much space for myself as possible.

To slowly become a player who the Coach can rely on and trust when I’m needed. Rather than a dream, that’s my goal.

Euro 2016? That’s something we could call a dream for this season. It’s obviously difficult, I know that, because you have to play, but I’m focused on Juventus.

I’m young, I have time and years ahead of me, so I hope to do well here and then the national team will arrive as a consequence of that.

"

According to the Daily Telegraph, the Italian centre-back has previously been a target for Wenger as he looks to strengthen the spine of his team, but it appears Rugani has no designs on leaving Serie A at present.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

The interest in Chicharito is curious, considering the player's move away from United.

Whether Arsenal fans would want a player recently disregarded by the Red Devils is debatable, especially when supporters desire to see world-class signings at the Emirates.

The Mexican does bring a different skill set to the table compared to Giroud, but Theo Walcott is capable of adding pace through the middle, and he is arguably a better technical player than Chicharito.

However, if Wenger wants a striker who is schooled in the deadly art of finishing—and a genuine No. 9—Hernandez could be an affordable addition in the January transfer window.