Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Express Sport bring you all the updates from the Emirates

Wednesday 27 December

Jack Wilshere told to leave Arsenal

13:00: Ray Wilkins believes the time has come for Jack Wilshere to leave the Emirates in order to stake a claim for Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.

Wilshere has recently enjoyed a run of games in Arsenal’s starting line-up in the Premier League after returning to full fitness.

But former England midfielder Wilkins doesn’t see Wilshere as a regular starter for Arsenal when everybody is fit.

“With the World Cup coming up at the end of the season I’d be looking to get away because I’d want to be considered for the World Cup,” Wilkins told Sky Sports.

“Gareth has made it perfectly clear if you’re not playing for your club side you won’t be included in the international side."

Sanchez transfer latest

11.45: Arsene Wenger has claimed Alexis Sanchez will NOT be leaving Arsenal in January and he expects to be busy in the upcoming transfer window.

“We have not been approached by anyone. Other than that I stand by what I have said before,” Wenger said when quizzed about Sanchez leaving.

“In the transfer window I will be busy.

“Clubs will contact us to buy and loan players and I will be open to any possibilities to strengthen our team.”

Wenger slams Mourinho

10.45: Arsene Wenger has hit back at Jose Mourinho after the Manchester United boss complained about not having enough transfer funds.

“I have been in that position for 21 years so I can’t start to complain now,” the Frenchman said.

“There have always been three or four teams richer than I am. I’ve learned to cope with that.

“We deal with our own situation as well as we can.

“Man City, Chelsea and Man United are all richer than us. You have to find ways to be successful.”

Giroud Everton latest

09.30: Arsene Wenger has scoffed at claims Olivier Giroud’s wife prevented the striker leaving Arsenal for Everton in the summer.

Sam Allardyce has suggested Jennifer Giroud put a stop to the move but Wenger was not convinced.

“No, I don’t think so. He could have joined Everton and stayed basically in London,” he said.

“I don’t think that was the problem.”

Triple injury blow

09:00: Arsene Wenger has confirmed he will be without three players until the New Year ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace tomorrow night.

Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and Nacho Monreal will all miss the trip to Selhurst Park.

Wenger is hopeful the Frenchman will be back in mid-January.

Meanwhile, Monreal will be sidelined for 10 days, with Ramsey due back at the beginning of January, Wenger claimed during his press conference this morning.

Van Dijk too pricey

08.45: Arsenal have been priced out of a move for Virgil van Dijk, according to The Mirror.

The report says Southampton are prepared for a bidding war for the Dutchman between Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City.

However, the Gunners have reportedly dropped out because they will not meet Saints’ minimum £70m asking price.

If Van Dijk is sold for that value he would smash the transfer record for a defender, surpassing Kyle Walker’s £50m move from Tottenham to City.

Benatia bid rejected

08.00: Arsenal have had a £35m bid for Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia rejected, according to Sky Sports Italia.

Arsene Wenger is said to be keen to strengthen his defence and has set his sights on the Morocco international.

Benatia has made just eight Serie A appearances for Juve this term so could be tempted with a move away.

Speaking about transfer earlier this month, Wenger said: “If we can find some additions to strengthen our squad we will do it.”

Barcelona eye Ozil

07.35: Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on a January deal for Mesut Ozil.

Spanish newspaper Marca claim Ernesto Valverde has a five-man wishlist that includes the Arsenal midfielder.

Ozil can leave the Gunners for free next summer as his contract is due to expire and is able to agree terms with foreign clubs as early at January 1.

Barca are reportedly confident they can agree a deal for Ozil for a nominal fee.