The footballing equivalent of those dreaded celebrity gossip magazines that quote ‘inside sources’ on Kim Kardashian’s alleged argument with her postman, the British tabloids’ constant spewing of fact-less transfer rumours rarely produces a true story.
But every now and then, the odd rumour comes to the surface that appears to have some weight behind it, providing you’re prepared to read between the lines.
And we may be amid the Premier League’s silly season, with the January window now upon us, but there’s a few stories involving Arsenal this month that might actually materialise into something genuine.
Just to prove it, here’s FIVE we at Football Fancast are tipping to be the real McCoy.
EDINSON CAVANI
Arsenal shouldn’t really be on the look-out for a striker this month; Olivier Giroud is back amongst the goals, with three in his last three Premier League appearances, summer signings Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck provide the depth in attack that the Gunners so desperately lacked at times last season and, quite frankly, there’s far weaker areas of the squad that should be taking priority.
But PSG striker Edinson Cavani fits the bill perfectly for the Gunners through his height, power, potency and link-up play, and Arsenal’s interest in the Uruguay forward stems back to his Napoli days, where he recorded an incredible 104 goals in 138 appearances for the Serie A Side.
An undoubted upgrade on Giroud and reportedly set to be booted out the Parc de Princes exit door after turning up nearly a week late for PSG’s winter training camp, instead heading to South America, don’t be surprised if the north Londoners launch an audacious bid for the 27 year-old front-man.
TYRONE MINGS
This is a transfer target we already know about; straight from the horse’s mouth, Arsene Wenger admitted his interest in Ipswich Town defender Tyrone Mings at the start of December, following continuous reports of Gunners scouts at Portman Road.
An electric-quick and ambitious left-back but also blessed with the imposing 6 foot 3 frame of a Premier League centre-half, the 21 year-old looks like a real prospect – one that could be moulded into virtually anything by Arsenal’s coaching staff. He’d certainly plug a few gaps in Arsenal’s defensive depth too.
It’s believed Ipswich rate their defender at around £8million, but still developing and unlikely to want to leave the Tractor Boys whilst they’re second in the Championship, a loan back to his current club for the remainder of the season seems a likely outcome.
WILLIAM CARVALHO
With Arsenal reportedly coming close to signing William Carvalho on summer deadline day,
and Arsene Wenger since admitting his desire to sign a ‘physical presence with prodigious ability like Vieira or Petit’, logic suggests the Gunners will revive their long-term interest in the Sporting Lisbon prodigy this month.
Measuring in at 6 foot 2, weighing in excess of 14 stone and famed for his simple-yet-effective anchorman style, the Portugal international represents everything the Gunners desperately lack in the middle of the park.
Furthermore, Lisbon have recently restructured the ownership of all their third-party players, including Carvalho, ensuring they receive full profits from any sale. In other words, a big offer for the beastly midfielder this January will be even harder for them to turn down. According to the Daily Star, Arsenal have already lodged a £25million bid.
LOIC PERRIN
According to Saint Etienne defender Loic Perrin, he’s already been contacted by Arsenal regarding a January move to the Emirates.
The 29 year-old is no spring chicken and doesn’t offer too much in the way of experience, having spent his entire career with Les Verts and never represented France at senior level.
He’s been enjoying some fantastic form of late however, as detailed below, and it appears to be Perrin’s versatility that’s particularly caught Arsene Wenger’s interest, being equally comfortable at right-back, centre-back and defensive midfield.
They’ve all been problem areas for the Gunners this season in regards to injuries and it’s alleged Saint Etienne are prepared to sell for as little as £6million. Whether Perrin constitutes Wenger’s first-choice of defensive signing remains to be seen, but he’s certainly an option on their radar.
JOEL CAMPBELL TO REAL SOCIEDAD
As reported by the Daily Mail yesterday evening, it appears Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell is on the verge of joining La Liga side Real Sociedad until the end of the season.
The 22 year-old forward was expected to play a significant role at the Emirates this year, having impressed on loan at Olympiacos last term and again at the World Cup with Costa Rica, but he’s since gone on to see just 39 minutes’ worth of Premier League action from four substitute appearances.
He’s desperate for first team football – with some sources claiming the South American even wants to leave Arsenal permanently – whilst David Moyes is keen to add some Premier League-esque dynamism to his Sociedad outfit, recently revealing plans to dip into the British loan market.
It’s a transfer rumour that seems to suit all parties involved.