Arsenal Transfer News: Leandro Paredes Targeted, Latest Mesut Ozil Rumours

Arsenal have reportedly touched base with Roma regarding Leandro Paredes and made clear their interest in the midfielder. 

That's according to Alessio Alaimo of Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb (h/t the Mirror's James Whaling), who reported the Gunners are "unlikely to move in the January transfer window" but "could step up their interest next summer" for the 22-year-old.

The Argentinian, who spent last season on loan at Empoli, is among the most exciting young talents in Serie A.

Here's a selection of his best moments from his impressive loan spell:

A holding midfielder, Paredes is excellent at breaking up play and regaining possession for his side, while thanks to his composure on the ball, varied passing range and creativity he can also operate as something of a deep-lying playmaker for the Giallorossi.

Gianluca Di Marzio's David Amoyal and Bleacher Report UK's Adam Digby believe he adds quality to an already impressive midfield in the Italian capital:

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez has even likened him to one of the best defensive midfielders currently plying his trade in Europe today:

Holding midfield is a position that Arsenal long needed to fill after the departures of Patrick Vieira and then Gilberto Silva, but with the emergence of Francis Coquelin and the recruitment of Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny, it's no longer a priority for the Gunners.

Here's a look at how Paredes compares with Arsenal's options, courtesy of Squawka:

	Paredes	Xhaka	Coquelin	Elneny
Apps	10	8	9	6
Minutes	540	498	656	284
Tackles	9	14	14	7
Interceptions	16	16	25	5
Aerial Duels	6	6	18	3
Clearances	6	9	7	2
Chances Created	15	6	4	3
Pass Completion	91%	88%	89%	92%

All three of Arsenal's players have proved themselves useful—even Elneny, the back-up of the three, is an assured and intelligent operator in midfield.

However, given Paredes' quality and potential, it's understandable he'd attract Arsenal's interest—he may well have a number of suitors by next summer.

Meanwhile, according to the Mirror's John Cross, Mesut Ozil has held more talks with the Gunners regarding a new contract over the international break and is nearing a £200,000 per week deal—a pay-rise of £60,000.

The German is eager to stay provided they can reach an agreement and has bought a house worth £10 million in London, seemingly signalling his intention to remain there.

Ozil is among the most important players in Arsenal's squad thanks to his almost unrivalled creativity and incisive play in the final third.

The Gunners are well aware of his talents—it would seem only a matter of time before a new deal is struck.