Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Gunners Rumours Ahead of Winter Window

Arsenal superstar Hector Bellerin is reportedly poised to sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium and end any speculation tying him to a Barcelona return in the process. Meanwhile, Southampton are ready to challenge the Gunners for Atalanta anchor Franck Kessie.

According to Spanish daily Sport (h/t Daily Star's Alex Wood), Barca have "cooled their interest" in their former academy player after learning he's set to put pen to paper over a contract extension in north London.

The timescale given for the new agreement is "one or two weeks," meaning Bellerin could be committed to a new deal at the Emirates before the winter transfer window rolls around.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

It's common practice for Barcelona to sell their stars young before bringing them back to the Camp Nou at a later date, but Bellerin recently told Tony Evans of the London Evening Standard he has no interest in a Catalan reunion.

He said: "If I wanted to play there I would have stayed there. I was very happy when Arsenal showed interest in me and I decided to come here. I'm not looking back, I'm just looking to help Arsenal."

Earlier in October, the Spain international emphasised just how loyal he is to the Gunners, despite the fact many La Masia youngsters grow up dreaming of playing in Barca's first team:

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What would you do if Barcelona came calling, Hector Bellerin?  pic.twitter.com/iLCmniEpl5

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) October 21, 2016"

After emerging as part of manager Arsene Wenger's first team during the 2014-15 season, Bellerin has since flourished in the starting XI and holds his place as one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Barcelona are relying on makeshift right-back Sergi Roberto in the role after Dani Alves' summer departure to Juventus, but Goal's Ben Hayward reiterated the club's desire to find a new option:

Elsewhere, Italian outlet Calciomercato (h/t Goal) reported Southampton have joined the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli in their pursuit of Atalanta starlet Kessie.

Arsenal have also been associated as one of the Premier League clubs more heavily interested in the 19-year-old. Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini recently told Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) his player has the potential to one day make it to the big stage:

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Technically he has a good foundation and an impressive physical dominance. I guess he can play one day at a big club.

This is because there is a need for players with his physicality, the Italian teams in do not suffer tactically or technically, but physically. In other leagues there is greater intensity.

In Italy we have lost the taste for the game in trying to catch up with the gap in athleticism.

Kessie, in this sense, can become an important player because he has everything.

"

The Ivory Coast international is a defensive midfielder by trade but has already contributed with four goals in nine Serie A appearances this season, showing similarities to his compatriot, Manchester City-based Yaya Toure.

The Saints might provide Kessie with a simpler transition to England owing to the fact they could offer first-team football more readily, although Arsenal may do their best to convince their target of a move to London.