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Arsenal fans are all in complete agreement over their latest transfer target, as an overwhelming majority voted to swoop for Lucas Torreira this summer.

According to various reports, Arsenal are in the race to sign Sampdoria’s Torreira this summer.

The feisty little midfielder has bundles of energy, and would inject a lot of life into Unai Emery’s new look Arsenal side.

Napoli and Everton have also been linked with moves for the Uruguayan, who is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, but the Gunners are thought to be leading the pack, with a report from the Mirror even claiming he will complete a medical this week.

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Averaging 2.8 tackles and 2 interceptions per game along with an impressive 87 per cent pass success rate, the 22 year-old could completely transform Arsenal’s midfield, and give the likes of Ramsey and Xhaka a lot more freedom.

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Fans are completely in favour of a summer swoop, with a whopping 92 per cent backing a move for the 5 ft 5 defensive midfielder.

You can find the full poll results down below…

Tottenham have been linked with a move for Colombia’s Juan Quintero, but it’s West Ham that should be eyeing up the crafty little playmaker.

What’s the word?

According to Argentinian outlet Ole, Tottenham have joined the race to sign Porto playmaker Quintero, who has been wonderful for Colombia at the World Cup.

The report claims River Plate, where he has been on loan from Porto, are set to trigger a clause that makes his move there permanent, but he will then have a new release clause of just €22m (£19.5m).

Mauricio Pochettino is clearly keen to add even more firepower to his exciting young Spurs squad, and Quintero’s performances at the World Cup have shown he may finally be fulfilling his potential.

However, if the player is looking for a fresh start, then West Ham can offer him exactly that, along with the promise of more regular playing time than he would get in North London.

The Hammers must add some creativity to atone for the loss of Manuel Lanzini, despite the Argentine confirming today his injury is not as bad as some media reports have made out, and at just £19.5m a move for Quintero is a no brainer.

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Pellegrini’s perfect project?

Quintero announced himself to the footballing world in Colombia’s first group game, firing a very intelligent free kick under the wall into the bottom corner.

The 25 year-old is a similar style of dribbler to Joaquin Correa, who the Hammers have already been linked with, but has a better eye for a pass than the young Sevilla star.

His creative passing was on display all night in his side’s 3-0 win to eliminate Poland on Sunday, as he attempted several penetrating passes towards front man Radamel Falcao, eventually finding his number nine for the second goal.

The Colombian playmaker has the ability to make something out of nothing, and the only thing holding him back until now has been consistency and discipline.

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Playing under an experienced manager like Pellegrini could help in that regard, and the slight edge to his game would certainly endear him to the fans in East London, just like it has for Marko Arnautovic.

Like Lanzini, Quintero can play on either flank, but is at his best as the number ten. If Pellegrini could get the feisty little playmaker playing to his potential on a consistent basis, the eventual return of Lanzini could give the Hammers one of the most creative and devastating attacks in the league.

So, West Ham fans, should you splash out around £20m on Quintero this summer? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

West Ham United fans have been impressed with Javier Hernandez at the World Cup and are eager to see him play under Manuel Pellegrini next season.

The Mexican forward has played a key role in their two wins at the summer tournament in Russia so far and scored the winning goal against South Korea on Saturday night, in a 2-1 victory.

His debut season at the London Stadium wasn’t the most rewarding for either the player, his team or the supporters at the London Stadium, but he did show glimpses of the quality that made him such an exciting signing in the first place.

Overall he scored 8 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions.

Now, after watching him in Russia, Hammers fans are hoping that he can reach his potential under new manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Supporters reckon that he can get the best out of ‘Chicharito’ given his preferred formation and the fact he is unlikely to play the striker out of position, as he was last term.

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They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his future after Saturday’s performance…

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Trent Alexander-Arnold came of age last season when he grasped his opportunity in the Liverpool team.

After Joe Gomez suffered injury, the 19-year-old stepped in as right-back and he continued to thrive under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance.

The teenager held his own in high-pressure matches against Manchester City and Roma in the Champions League, while he also put in a decent shift in the 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the final.

What do you think of the World Cup so far? Let us know and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

Alexander-Arnold’s impressive performances, which included scoring two goals and creating three assists in all competitions, earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.

The youngster earned his first start on Thursday evening as the Three Lions took on Belgium in their final Group G fixture, which they lost 1-0.

The team may not have won, but Alexander-Arnold gave a lasting impression as he was handed the right wing-back role.

Southgate has opted to go for a back three during the tournament, which means that rather than play in a right-back slot, Alexander-Arnold was pushed further up the field.

During the clash, the teenager delivered more crosses into the danger area than any of his teammates.

The right-sided player, along with Jamie Vardy, produced the most key passes during the match, plus the Liverpool star created an attempt on goal, proving once again that he has an attacking presence.

Alexander-Arnold is going from strength to strength, which can only bode well for Liverpool.

Klopp should soon be able to trust playing the teen in a more advanced role down the right if needs be.

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As the 2015/16 campaign has so far begun in rather testing circumstances for Kenny Jackett and Wolverhampton Wanderers, achieving promotion to the Premier League this season currently seems an extremely long way off for the Molineux faithful.

Due to a series of questionable moves both on and off the field for Wolves this term – including the loss of key stars such as Bakary Sako and Richard Stearman, the ongoing contract sagas regarding several other players currently still operating at the club, as well as some strange tactical decisions from Jackett himself out on the pitch – the Wanderers currently look a great deal closer to relegation than many initially hoped for.

So then, in light of the recent struggles currently afflicting the club so far across the current campaign, here a six potential signings Wolves should possibly look to land throughout the upcoming January transfer window…

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Adam Reach

With former Middlesbrough youngster, Stewart Downing, once again returning to Riverside in an attempt to land promotion for his boy-hood team this season, 22-year-old Adam Reach seemingly has less of a chance to express himself within the club’s current first team plans at the minute.

Although Boro certainly wouldn’t be too keen on letting one of their supposed hottest prospects leave for a Championship rival so readily this season, a shrewd move from Wolves’ point of view could see Kenny Jackett try his best to land the wide-man at some point during the current term. Reach hasn’t exactly set the world alight as of yet, but his potential down the left-wing nonetheless represents a decent option for any side looking to acquire his services in 2015/16.

However, considering Middlesbrough’s apparent admiration of their up and coming asset, perhaps Wolves admittedly have a bit of an uphill battle on their hands in attempting to sign Adam Reach this season

Yaser Kasim

Another young, up and coming talent to make an appearance on this particular list arrives in the form of Swindon Town’s 24-year-old star, Yaser Kasim. Wolves’ reported interest in the centre-midfielder may have now depleted somewhat since the closure of the summer transfer window, but that doesn’t mean Kenny Jackett shouldn’t come in for the former Brighton & Hove Albion man once again this January.

Kasim has been labelled the ‘Iraqi Pirlo’ in light of his relative composure in the middle of the park and decent level of ability with the ball at his feet. Although the step up to the Championship could prove tough for the Swindon Town man at this stage in his career, perhaps he nonetheless highlights just the kind of gamble Wolves require at the moment.

He may not prove an initial hit with the Wolverhampton Wanderers faithful on his first couple of appearances of course, but Yaser Kasim could still develop into a relatively successful star of the future – wherever he eventually ends up.

Kevin Nolan

Whilst his former side, Bolton Wanderers, would likely arrive as the midfielder’s first choice destination this season, ex-Hammers captain – Kevin Nolan – could well symbolize the ideal capture for Kenny Jackett in 2015/16.

As Wolves technically wouldn’t have to wait until January to capture the 33-year-old, considering Nolan’s current status as a free agent, perhaps Jackett should ultimately make a move for the vastly experienced Englishman sooner rather than later. Kevin Nolan has escaped the Championship before with West Ham after all, and via his strong leadership qualities out on the field, this is just the type of character Wolves need to rejuvenate themselves both on and off the pitch this season.

Although the Liverpool-born goal-scorer no longer represents a player operating at the top of his game anymore – yet still someone likely to cost a fair amount in weekly wages – maybe Wolves simply have to bite the bullet in the transfer market in order to restore some positivity in and around Molineux before it’s too late.

Jesse Lingard

Wolves admittedly haven’t been linked with Jesse Lingard for quite some time now, but seeing as first team opportunities remain somewhat of a rarity for young players trying to make a name for themselves at Old Trafford, maybe the January transfer window would signal the right moment for Kenny Jackett to reignite his reported interest in the player.

The attacking midfielder has nonetheless impressed somewhat when given the chance to shine with Manchester United, and although the 22-year-old certainly has a long way to go in these early stages of his career, the future ultimately remains bright for Jesse Lingard. Perhaps if he’d graduated among a slightly less prestigious top-flight club than the Red Devils, this man could well have turned into a solid household name by now.

He may need time to bed in at Molineux before truly finding his feet in the Championship, but if Wolves are really serious about gaining promotion this season, then some potential Premier League quality must be drafted in sooner rather than later.

Richard Dunne

Granted, former QPR blocker – Richard Dunne – isn’t exactly a name to raise much excitement in and around any club at the minute, especially one in the hunt for Premier League promotion in the not too distant future. He is now 36-years-old, with a bizarre own-goal record that simply speaks for itself after all.

However, arriving on this list as another free agent, Richard Dunne could well represent the right level of experience Wolves currently require at the moment. In light of Richard Stearman’s departure from Molineux this summer, Kenny Jackett arguably needs to sure up his defensive options more than anything else this season. The former Republic or Ireland international could therefore offer a worthwhile option for Wolves if other targets fail to materialize this January.

Admittedly though, Richard Dunne seemingly remains a calamity waiting to happen in the modern era – regardless of which club eventually picks ups his services this season…if any!

Matt Jarvis

Perhaps the most unlikely name to make an appearance on this list, arrives as former Wolves favourite – Matt Jarvis. The ex-Molineux star – currently on loan with Premier League outfit Norwich City – was sold to West Ham in the summer of 2012 for a rather unjustified total fee of £10.75 million.

Although the now 29-year-old distinctly failed to impress during his time with the Hammers, Jarvis’ pace down the wing and ability to send in the crosses could easily aid his former club greatly in the Championship this term. It would be a decent coup from Kenny Jackett’s perspective, but probably a rather expensive one at that.

However, considering his recent goal-scoring form for Norwich City at Carrow Road, perhaps Matt Jarvis is destined to remain among the English top-flight for now. His new club certainly seem grateful for his contribution so far.

German football proved it’s dominance over the rest of the globe at last year’s World Cup in Brazil, beating Portugal, France, Argentina and even the tournament’s hosts (with that historic 7-1 scoreline) to claim the greatest prize the beautiful game has to offer.

Likewise, the quality of the Bundesliga appears to be dramatically improving with every season as does it’s popularity, in no small part due to the exceptional atmospheres created by safe seating and fan ownership agreements.

Where the Bundesliga lacks, however, is finance. During the summer, they spent just £290million; less than La Liga, Serie A and exactly a third of what the Premier League splashed out.

So if you’re looking to source good talent on the cheap, the German League is certainly a good place to start – which is why a number of Bundesliga stars are currently on the radars of the Premier League’s top clubs.

With that in mind, we’re taking a look at FOUR Bundesliga stars reportedly in Liverpool’s transfer crosshairs, all the more likely to be attracted to Anfield now they’re managed by former Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp.

Will the new Reds gaffer swoop for some of these FOUR in January?

NEVEN SUBOTIC

Liverpool may have announced Jurgen Klopp as their new manager just 24 hours ago but the Reds have already been linked with a number of players from his former club Borussia Dortmund – most notably Neven Subotic.

The 26-year-old has served as the support act to Mats Hummels for much of his Westfalen career but he’s a highly talented defender in his own right, particularly famed for his pace, threat in the air and defensive work on the deck.

The Serbian international extended his Dortmund contract until 2018 in May but that doesn’t necessarily mean he wouldn’t be interested in an Anfield switch – especially after starting the season behind Sokratis in the pecking order following an injury lay-off.

Klopp’s managed the 6 foot 2 centre-half at both Dortmund and former club Mainz, so with Liverpool in desperate need of added quality at the heart of defence, he could well become one of the German’s first purchases as Anfield gaffer.

LEROY SANE

German publication SportBild claim Liverpool launched a €15million bid for Schalke prodigy Leroy Sane in the summer and are expected to return with an improved offer in the near future.

So who is this budding youngster I hear your ask? Well the 19-year-old emerged on the peripheries of the Miners’ senior squad last season and has started the current campaign in emphatic form, bagging three goals and one assist in eight Bundesliga appearances – only three of which have been starts.

The winger boasts pace, direct dribbling and goal threat in abundance and certainly fits the profile Liverpool’s transfer committee tend to aim for in the market as a promising talent on the cusp of Champions League football.

Tottenham are also reportedly keen admirers. But having tied him down to a four-year contract in July, Schalke certainly won’t be parting with Sane on the cheap.

HAKAN CALHANOGLU

It seems practically every major club in Europe are running the rule over Bayer Leverkusen’s Hakan Calhanoglu at the moment, including Liverpool, and it’s not hard to see why.

The 21-year-old has bagged 20 goals and ten assists in 73 appearances throughout his Bundesliga career, the vast majority of them sourced from his world-class free kick ability. In fact, he scored the most free kicks of any player in Europe’s five leading top flights last season.

Dubbed by some as ‘the new Mesut Ozil’, it seems to be only a matter of time before the attacking midfielder goes on to join one of Europe’s biggest footballing institutions.

He’ll command a huge fee, however, and Liverpool will have to fend off plenty of competition for the Turkey international’s signature with Arsenal and Manchester United, amongst others, also linked in recent weeks.

HENRIKH MKHITARYAN

Liverpool were desperate to sign Armenian ace Henrikh Mkhitaryan back in 2013 when he opted to join Borussia Dortmund instead, so with Jurgen Klopp now in the hot seat it’s safe to assume the Merseysiders will be targeting him once again.

The 26-year-old hasn’t quite exploded onto the Bundesliga as expected, having previously amassed 44 goals in 104 appearances for Shaktar Donetsk and been described as Frank Lampard with the electric pace of Theo Walcott.

But nonetheless, Mkhitaryan’s speed and stamina on the break would certainly be at home in the Premier League and he’s started the current campaign particularly well, claiming three goals and three assists in eight Bundesliga appearances.

Dortmund haven’t exactly got full value out of the €25million signing and he’s now into the final years of his Westfalen contract – so if there were ever a time to convince Klopp’s former side to sell, it’s probably right now.

Goals win games. Football, to boil it down to its most simplistic form, is a sport in which the team that puts the ball in the back of the net on the most occasions over 90 minutes wins. So, with the aim of scoring goals the most important one, those that do the business get the praise.

So far in this unpredictable season, Jamie Vardy has been the best man when it comes to converting chances, with the England international having fired a stunning 15 goals in 17 games for high-flying Leicester, putting him top of the golden boot betting. We are now almost halfway through the campaign so his form is no fluke, but will he be able to stay atop the charts for the reminder of 2015/16? Perhaps not if these players have their way…

Sergio Aguero – 7 goals

Most people’s favourite to win the Golden Boot, the Argentine boasts a better goals-per-90 minutes ration than Vardy, albeit his 0.89 is only 0.01 superior to the Leicester man’s return. Fitness seems to be the Argentine’s biggest enemy, but if he can stay in good enough condition to play each week it’s hard to argue that he won’t score goals given the quality around him in Manchester City’s XI.

Romelu Lukaku – 13 goals

The Belgian is currently the Premier League’s form striker with seven goals in his last six appearances, and Lukaku’s hot streak leaves him just two adrift of Vardy. With his current standard of displays it would be no shock to see the ex-Chelsea and West Brom man overhaul his main rival in the coming weeks.

Harry Kane – 9 goals

After a slow start the Spurs man has certainly found his feet with nine goals. He may not look as dangerous as last term, in which the 22-year-old scored a stunning 21 league goals, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see him get close to that tally once again.

Olivier Giroud – 10 goals

Arsenal are now most fans’ favourites to win the title, with Giroud’s goals in recent weeks having been key in their rise to second. The Frenchman has three in his last three and appears to getting chances each game thanks to his partner in crime, Mesut Ozil.

15 Community Champions were honoured at a House of Lords Reception earlier this week for their outstanding contributions at Barclays Spaces for Sports facilities in their communities.

The event was hosted by talkSPORT’s Georgie Bingham, while footballing legends Dion Dublin, Graham Taylor, Lawrie McMenemy and John Scales were among those who heaped praise on the deserving group.

Each region of country was represented by individuals selected from a pool of hundreds of people, many of whom are volunteers, that give up their time to run Barclays Spaces for Sports facilities.

The Community Champions are relied upon by their areas for a range of responsibilities, including coaching, maintaining facilities, first aid, catering, fund raising, mentoring and many other tasks key in helping grass level sports, such as football.

Barclays Spaces for Sports is the UK’s largest ever sports-based corporate social responsibility programme. Launched in 2004 it saw international bank Barclays partner with the Football Foundation to develop 204 multi-sports sites in disadvantaged communities right across the country.

The investment into the Barclays Spaces for Sports facilities programme in the UK was £67m. The sites built as a result play host to more than 30 different kinds of sport and are used by over 88,000 people every week with participation, not sporting excellence, the key ethos.

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of The Football Foundation, said: “More than 88,000 people are now using Barclays Spaces for Sports sites across the UK every week, thanks to investment provided by Barclays and the Football Foundation since 2004. Tonight’s Reception showcased the lasting sports infrastructure legacy that this partnership has created for hundreds of the most deprived communities across the country.

“It is important that sites that have received considerable initial investment over the last 11 years remain financially sustainable throughout their usable life, so they do not require local authority or any other subsidy to maintain them. This is made possible through the work of the Football Foundation’s Grant Managers, who have helped to develop an individually tailored Sustainability Plan for each site. But it is also thanks to the tremendous work of the 15 Community Champions and the hundreds of others like them who are so critical to grassroots sports throughout the country.”

List of Community Champions in full

1 – Name: Maria Calway-Kennedy

Site: Y-Services for Young People multi-use games area at Forton Road, Gosport

Role: Director and Trustee of Y-Services

2 – Name: Andrew McKinnon

Site: Junction 4 Skatepark, Blackburn

Role: Skatepark Manager

3 – Name: Oliver Graham

Site: Hamsterley Trailblazers, County Durham

Role: Vice Chair

4 – Name: Peter Richmond

Site: Colchester Leisure World, Essex

Role: Tennis Development Officer

5 – Name: John Lees

Site: Glodwick Cricket Club, Greater Manchester

Role: Head of Outfield Maintenance

6 – Name: Glynn Moore

Site: Silverdale Cricket Club, Staffordshire

Role: Cricket Development Officer

7 – Name: Stephen Smith

Site: Freethorpe Village Hall, Norfolk

Role: Site Administrator and Village Hall Booking Clerk

8 – Name: Joshua Taylor-Brown

Site: Wymersley Park multi-use games area, Hull

Role: Sports Coach

9 – Name: Karen Quigley

Site: Washington Millennium Centre, Washington

Role: Centre Manager

10 – Name: Hannah Jarman

Site: Crew Club, Brighton

Role: Finance and Development Officer

11 – Name: Clive Knight

Site: Oswestry Team Tennis Club, Shropshire

Role: Tennis Coach

12 – Name: Paula Hill

Site: Cary Park Tennis Club, Devon

Role: Secretary

13 – Name: Lillian Pearce

Site: Glodwick Cricket Club, Greater Manchester

Role: Catering volunteer

14 – Name: Keith Wilding

Site: Ross-on-Wye Skate Park, Herefordshire

Role: Chair of Trustees

15 – Name: Tony Jones

Site: Llanfechell mult-use games area, Anglesey

Role: Site Developer

Newcastle United grabbed just their third home win of the season at the weekend, beating West Ham 2-1.

Given that Bilic and his Hammers side had been unbeaten in the league since November 22nd, the result will have have been particularly pleasing to under-pressure Magpies boss Steve McClaren.

It also lifted his side out of the relegation zone, again another positive from a well deserved win and fine display of attacking football, in the first half particularly.

But arguably the most pleasing and positive aspect to come out of the game was the performance of Jonjo Shelvey. The former Swansea midfielder, brought for around £12m only a few days before, had a debut to remember in front of the 50’000 strong crowd at St James’ Park.

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Having struggled for consistency this campaign, the North-East side have slowly been getting it together of late, the win coming just a few days after their dramatic 3-3 draw with Man United. Against West Ham, Shelvey’s presence in the heart of their midfield, controlling the centre circle and spraying passes around the pitch, was a key factor in the win and a welcome sight for the Geordie faithful.

Already forming a good partnership with fellow English midfielder Jack Colback, the pair provided a double-pivot in the middle of the pitch, giving Newcastle some steel and energy in front of the back-four whilst also providing a base from which to spring attacks and counter-attacks.

With a passing accuracy of over 91%, Shelvey completed 54 of the 59 passes he attempted, the range and variety particularly impressive, his sweeping 60-yarder to Janmaat eventually leading to the second goal the pick of bunch. In fact, his display was so impressive that manager Steve McClaren has since compared him to an NFL quaterback.

It’s not just his gaffer that was impressed, either. Goal scorer Georginio Wijnaldum hailed him as “magnificent” and fellow team-mate Moussa Sissoko also sung his praises: “For me, his style is very similar to Steven Gerrard’s, because he can play the long ball easily, he can get on the second balls.”

High-praise indeed for the new addition at St James Park, and one that passionate and loyal fans would love to see emulated.

Having only signed a new contract with the Welsh club in the Summer, it came as somewhat as a surprise that he was first out of favour at the Liberty, and there were certainly a few raised eyebrows when he was sold to fellow relegation candidates Newcastle United.

WABT MORE? >> Newcastle transfer news | Latest transfer news

But Swansea have their own problems and for whatever reason, Shelvey was deemed surplus to requirements by interim boss Alan Curtis and the Swans hierarchy, a move that can only benefit the side in Black and White.

With Cheick Tiote closing in on a move Chinese side Shanghai Shenua, the Toon were in need of a replacement midfield enforcer. But in Shelvey they have more than just a break-up player and walking red-card-in-waiting as Tiote often was. Sure, the former Charlton and Liverpool man has a combative streak and petulant edge, as highlighted by his ‘friendly-shoulder’ into Enner Valencia’s face at the weekend, but he should bring far more to this improving Newcastle side than the man from the Ivory Coast did.

His commitment to the cause combined with his technical ability will only endear him to the locals, and if he can keep producing the kind of displays like the one against West Ham on Saturday, the four-time England capped midfielder will only go from strength to strength alongside his talented team-mates.

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According to reports from The Telegraph, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is planning a ‘major investment in central midfield’ for the summer transfer window.

Indeed, the Gunners gaffer snapped up Mohamed Elneny from FC Basel in January, but Arsenal’s engine room still lacks balance, composed of far more offensive than defensive talent.

Likewise, Bosman-bound veterans Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky are expected to leave the Emirates upon their expiration of their contracts at the end of the season, whilst Santi Cazorla is now 31 years of age and Jack Wilshere – despite his ability – spends around two-thirds of every season sidelined through injury.

So the north Londoners need extra bodies in the middle of the park, preferably of the relatively young and defensive variety, and with that in mind, FootballFanCast have been running the rule over FIVE Arsenal targets who fit that criteria.

Can you see the Gunners spending bid on some of these FIVE in the coming transfer window?

RUBEN NEVES

If it’s long-term options Arsene Wenger craves, he’ll struggle to look past FC Porto prodigy Ruben Neves – one of many young Portuguese talents attracting interest from the Premier League’s top clubs.

Indeed, the midfielder is just 18 years of age but has already represented the Portugal national team twice and captained the Dragons in the Champions League, becoming the youngest skipper in the tournament’s history during a 2-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in October.

Neves is a well-balanced midfielder who blends a good reading of the game with technical flair, but it’s the maturity, composure and control he brings to the engine room that has really stood out this season, especially considering his age.

Arsenal are one of the clubs believed to be scouting the Mozelos-born teenager, but the Primeira Liga outfit are unlikely to budge on his £29million release clause.

GRANIT XHAKA

Dubbed ‘young Schweinsteiger’ by former manager Ottmar Hitzfeld due to his shared playing style with the German World Cup winner, Granit Xhaka could be the ideal signing to bridge between Arsenal’s tiki-taka-esque philosophy and their need for more steel in the middle of the park.

There are certainly more physical midfielders than the 6 foot 1 Borussia Monchengladbach star but he’s a consistent ball-winner with an aggressive edge to his game, this season averaging 2.5 tackles and 2.9 interceptions per match from 17 Bundesliga outings.

The Switzerland international has also averaged the seventh-most passes per match of any player involved in Europe’s five leading top flights this season and in that regard, would offer a similar kind of service to Mikel Arteta as an anchoring playmaker.

The 23-year-old has continually talked up a Premier League move over the last few months, describing it as his dream, and Gladbach seem likely to sell at the end of the season. Xhaka’s contract includes a £27million release clause for summer 2017, meaning the club are running out of time to secure a higher fee.

N’GOLO KANTE

Arsene Wenger recently revealed that he’s tracked N’Golo Kante for some time and the French enforcer’s incredible displays this season could convince him to launch a summer bid.

Indeed, if the Leicester City midfielder isn’t the Premier League’s Player of the Season, he’s definitely the division’s signing of the season, arriving from Caen at a cost of just £6million last summer to help propel the Foxes to the table’s summit.

The 24-year-old has averaged 4.2 tackles and 4.2 interceptions per match but it’s ability to break from deep positions with surging runs and ranging passes that has really made him stand out against the rest of the Premier League’s top ball-winners

Likewise, Kante’s energy and work-rate is well within the region of world-class; one can only imagine how he’d dominate in a midfield three, rather than playing in a flat two with Danny Drinkwater.

Some have even compared him to Claude Makelele, but you’d fancy Leicester’s chances of holding onto Kante if they win the title this season.

ILKAY GUNDOGAN

A box-to-box midfielder famed for his mazy dribbles through the middle of the park, Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan would add a new sense of dynamism to Arsenal’s midfield.

But the German international is also a fantastic technician who offers control in possession and creativity going forward, this season averaging 1.5 created chances, 2.3 successful dribbles and a whopping 87 passes per match, alongside relentless energy both with and without the ball.

He can perform a variety of roles in the middle of the park, ranging from anchorman to No.10, and is unquestionably one of the most talented midfielders not plying his trade at Champions League level this term, having previously reached a final and claimed a Bundesliga title with the Black-Yellows.

Dortmund seem set to sell this summer, with Gundogan reportedly unwilling to extend his contract past the end of next season. He’s perfect for Arsenal in terms of style but practically every major club in Europe, including Manchester City and Barcelona, will be in the hunt for his signature this summer.

VICTOR WANYAMA

Most Arsenal fans would like to see Arsene Wenger add – quite simply – a big lump to his midfield options this summer and Southampton star Victor Wanyama firmly falls into that category.

Indeed, the Nigerian international measures in at 6 foot 2 (and about four foot wide) and has used his physicality to great effect since signing for Southampton from Celtic in summer 2013, where he’d previously featured in their Champions League heroics against Barcelona.

Disciplinary issues are a concern, picking up three red cards already this term, but the 24-year-old’s up there with the best ball-winners in the Premier League, averaging 3.1 tackles, 2.5 interceptions and 2.2 successful aerial duels per match at the moment, and seems ready to test himself at a higher level.

Wanyama’s simple-yet-effective play-breaking style could provide the basis for Arsenal’s more offensive talents to flourish and most appealingly, his contract is set to expire in 2017 – making the summer transfer window Southampton’s last chance to cash-in and probably at a rather low fee.

Recent reports, however, have suggested the Saints are in talks over a contract extension.