Report reveals Arsenal strategy for midfielder deal; key Jan exit imminent

Arsenal have a strategy in mind as they look to bring in Real Madrid midfielder Isco on a six-month loan transfer, according to a report.

A creative midfielder in the ilk of Isco is reportedly Gunners boss Mikel Arteta‘s priority in the January window. Indeed, the Spain international is supposedly one target on the north London club’s radar.

However, Goal reports that uncertainty remains over whether Arsenal can complete his signing.

While Isco has struggled for game time this season, he has nonetheless featured in 10 of Madrid’s 16 LaLiga games. As such, he has proved to be a reliable back-up player for head coach Zinedine Zidane.

The source understands that Madrid have not yet decided whether to sanction the 28-year-old‘s January exit. What’s more, Isco has yet to learn his fate himself.

Arteta, meanwhile, refused to open up on the possibility of signing the player when asked by the media.

But Goal says that Arsenal are happy to play a ‘waiting game’ in the hope of landing him.

Indeed, sanctioning either temporary permanent exits for some of their own players is another Arsenal priority.

The failure to do so in the summer left the club with too many homegrown players in their ranks – and Mesut Ozil and Sokratis Papastathopoulos without a place in the squad.

As such, William Saliba, Reiss Nelson and Calum Chambers could all leave on loan in January. What’s more, the Gunners will listen to suitable offers for Shkodran Mustafi.

However, Arsenal are already close to completing Sead Kolasinac’s exit from The Emirates.

Arsenal close in on Kolasinac deal

Goal reports that the Bosnian defender is nearing a six-month loan deal with former club Schalke.

The deal is being ‘worked through’ – according to sources – and both clubs will agree a deal imminently.

Arsenal will reportedly pay some of Kolasinac’s wages in the transfer.

The 27-year-old has only made eight appearances this season, including one in the Premier League.

READ MORE: Arsenal pose threat to Tottenham in tussle for £45m Bundesliga midfielder