Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Julian Draxler, 4 Others Linked To Gunners This January?

There may be added pressure on Arsenal to make a big transfer move this winter after one of the Premier League's top teams got an early jump on the competition. The transfer window opens on Jan. 1 and closes at 11:00 p.m. GMT on Jan. 31, with Liverpool already getting the ball rolling with one of the most surprising deals in recent memory, bringing in center back Virgil van Dijk from Southampton on Wednesday in a deal reportedly worth £75 million — a world record for a defender.

Will Arsenal respond with a splash signing of their own? The early consensus is that they will sit this window out despite a tight race for a Champions League berth. However, there have been several names that have been floated around the rumor mill by the British tabloids and Arsene Wenger might consider rolling the dice to make a final push.

Julian Draxler, Midfielder

It's no secret that Arsenal have been keen on the German for quite some time. He is expected to command at least a £40 million fee from Paris Saint-Germain, which might be a major bargain.

The big question is how adding Draxler might coincide with Alexis Sanchez's probable departure. If Arsenal can find the right price for Sanchez this winter it would make a lot of sense to bring in Draxler sooner rather than later. The 24-year-old has more than three years remaining on his contract.

Thomas Lemar, Midfielder

In the summer, Arsenal reportedly had a £92 million offer accepted by AS Monaco but the deal fell through on deadline day. Some publications suggested that the deal was on hold until the winter, but Monaco has insisted that the Frenchman won't be sold in January. Will Monaco have a change of heart?

Lemar, 22, can play anywhere in the midfield, making him a fine replacement for Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain. Complicating things for Arsenal is interest from both Liverpool and Chelsea, though it might be a stretch to think the Reds are going to shell out more money after landing Van Dijk.

Hirving Lozano, Forward

The 22-year-old Mexican has been sharp in his first year with PSV, scoring 11 goals in 16 appearances. PSV has just a five-point edge on Ajax, which means they are expected to stand pat.

There should be plenty of competition to land Chucky this summer, but a club like Arsenal probably won't take a chance on an inexperienced player valued at £40 million this winter.

Steven N'Zonzi, Midfielder

Arsenal aren't in desperate need of a defensive midfielder, so N'Zonzi probably isn't high on their wish list. There is some appeal, though, for the 29-year-old Frenchman. He has regularly competed with Sevilla since 2015 and had a big role with Stoke City from 2012-2015, so he knows his way around the Premier League.

While Wenger often favors French players, he will probably take a pass on N'Zonzi. Everton will likely make a strong bid for him and could pay as much as £25 million.

David Neres, Forward

The Ajax starlet is being pursued by several top clubs but it's highly doubtful he will leave Amsterdam this winter. The 20-year-old Brazilian has nine goals in 21 appearances this season, as a key contributor for the famed Dutch club.

AC Milan, Juventus, Manchester United and Tottenham are reportedly interested in Neres. Ajax is still in contention to win the Eredivisie so it seems misguided to surrender a top performer before the end of the season. If Neres joins Arsenal it will probably be in the summer.