Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Alexander Isak and Mattia Caldara

Chelsea have reportedly taken the lead in the race to sign Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus target Alexander Isak, while the two Premier League giants and Manchester United are said to be scouting Atalanta defender Mattia Caldara.

Per Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC, the Blues have made an offer to AIK for Isak, the 17-year-old star prospect who has quickly become one of the top transfer targets for Europe's biggest clubs heading into the January transfer window.

According to a source close to the club, PSG have been talking to AIK for some time, but Les Parisiens are yet to make an offer. Per the same report, Juventus have also made an offer that would meet AIK's demands.

Charles Perrin of the Daily Express reported both United and Arsenal are also interested in the Swedish phenom.

Frequently compared to compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Isak has established himself as one of Europe's top young strikers, turning heads on a weekly basis.

Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe is a fan:

The teenager has an impressive set of skills and is already remarkably developed for such a young player. He has the raw pace and technical ability to thrive out wide, but his best role is as a central striker, where he presents a mismatch for just about every defender.

His physical strength already sets him apart from most forwards his age, and combined with his quickness and athleticism, he's extremely difficult to mark inside the box.

Here's a look at his highlights:

Chelsea have made a habit of signing young talent that could pay dividends in the future of late, gaining something of a reputation for loaning a ton of players out every season. Isak likely wouldn't spend too much time away from the club, however―he's already proved he can hold his own against senior competition.

But with so many top clubs involved, the Swede could end up anywhere. PSG have been linked with Isak more than any other club, and following the departure of Ibrahimovic, the Ligue 1 champions are in desperate need for some attacking reinforcements.

Les Parisiens could turn the race to sign Isak into a bidding war, at which point the likes of Arsenal and Juventus are more than likely to bow out. Add to that their excellent reputation when it comes to cultivating talent, and PSG remain the ideal landing spot for Isak.

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Elsewhere, La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Daily Express' Charles Perrin) reported the Gunners, Blues and Red Devils are all keeping their eye on Caldara. The 22-year-old has played a big part in Atalanta's strong start to the season, solidifying the defence behind the equally impressive Franck Kessie.

While Kessie frequently soaks up the headlines for his spectacular performances in midfield, Caldara has been just as impressive. He's already bagged three goals, but more importantly, he's been a consistent force in defence.

Here are some of his highlights:

Caldara was born in Bergamo and played his youth football for Atalanta―he's not expected to leave the club now that he's getting a solid run in the starting XI.

Juventus are considered favourites for both Caldara and Kessie if the two become available, although a January move for either seems unlikely at this point.