Barcelona requesting for EXCEPTIONAL Arsenal man as report reveals Dani Olmo could be joining Arsenal in January if Barca fails to register him.

Arsenal transfer news: Bukayo Saka replacement identified as Barcelona target Gunners star

There are concerns over Arsenal’s squad depth after going nine points behind league leaders Liverpool and fans will be crying out for more additions next month to help them get back in the title race

Arsenal are looking likely to do some business in the January transfer window after seeing a handful of areas short on quality depth.

The injury to Bukayo Saka – who is set to be out until March with a torn hamstring – has sent alarm bells ringing at the Emirates, while Mikel Arteta is still lacking a quality and reliable centre-forward.

There are also concerns over Arsenal’s backline after injuries to Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu and fans will be crying out for more additions next month to help them claw back Liverpool’s nine-point lead at the top of the table.

Kudus would be “perfect” saka replacement

Arsenal have long been linked with a move for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus and those rumours will only get stronger after the team lost Saka to a long-term injury.

The Gunners have been long-time admirers of the Ghana international and were chasing a £90million move for the 24-year-old last month – amid fears Leandro Trossard could join a Saudi Pro League club.

Now former Gunner Adrian Clarke has tipped his old side to swoop for the player in January, calling him a “perfect” replacement for Saka.

Kudus has three Premier League goals and one assist for the Hammers, though his progress at the London Stadium has been hampered by the team going through a slump under boss Julen Lopetegui.

Speaking to talkSport, Clarke said: “Mohammed Kudus is a player that Arsenal have had a long-term interest in.

“He is a perfect Bukayo Saka replacement who can also do a job up front. Wonderful traveller with the ball at his feet. Could Arsenal test West Ham United’s resolve with a with an offer this month?”

Barcelona want Partey

Arsenal have a handful of players in danger of leaving on a free transfer next summer and one of them is midfielder Thomas Partey.

The 31-year-old arrived at the Emirates for around £45million in 2020 after emerging as one of the most talented midfielders in the world at Atletico Madrid and he has gone on to make 140 appearances for the club.

However, he has not been offered a new deal by Arsenal chiefs thus far and now Barcelona are reportedly “monitoring” his situation, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The report adds that Hansi Flick’s side are chasing a number of potential options, including Jonathan Tah and Joanthan David.

However, it says Partey is a player they are looking at with particular intent as a possible replacement for Frenkie de Jong – should the Dutchman depart.

Barcelona see Partey as a physically imposing and versatile option with club chief Deco a big fan. The fact he could arrive free of charge is another factor given Barcelona’s notable financial problems.

Cunha idolised Podolski

Arsenal are still on the trail of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and previous comments from the player on his football inspiration may encourage fans hoping to see the move happen.

Cunha has been one of the most impressive forwards in the Premier League this season after notching 10 goals thus far and with Arsenal needing more firepower in January, Mikel Arteta is reportedly eager to bring him to the Emirates.

The Brazilian previously spoke highly of a former Arsenal star who he admired growing up, singing the praises of Lukas Podolski, who he may hope to emulate in north London.

Speaking in 2019, when he was an RB Leipzig player, he said: “In terms of players from the Bundesliga, I like Podolski very much,” he said. “He destroyed the Brazil national team when he went there and became world champion, and I cried a lot at that time.

“But he seems to have a lot of affection from Brazilians even to this day. He’s always playing around and joking with Flamengo. I believe Podolski is a German player, who has a great personality on and off the pitch.”