Arsenal are expected to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the transfer deadline after it has been identified as an Emirates Stadium 'priority', Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has told GiveMeSport.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has until 11pm on January 31 to bolster his squad ahead of the remainder of the campaign.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

Arsenal transfer news - Midfield targets

According to Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal have lodged an enquiry over Juventus central midfielder Weston McKennie's availability.

The report suggests the Serie A side are willing to sanction the United States international's mid-season exit for in the region of £22million, but the Gunners are facing competition from the likes of Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Fulham, while Leeds United are holding ongoing discussions.

Although Arsenal are known to be admirers of Youri Tielemans, who has entered the final six months of his £120,000-per-week contract at Leicester City, it has emerged that the Belgian would rather see out the rest of the campaign at the King Power Stadium instead of sealing a move this month.

Meanwhile, West Ham United captain Declan Rice has been identified as the Gunners' top target ahead of the summer and the north Londoners are growing in confidence that they will rubber-stamp a deal worth close to £80million.

It is understood that Arsenal could also rival Chelsea for the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion man Moises Caicedo at the end of the season.

What has Ryan Taylor said about the situation?

Taylor understands that Arsenal's priority, following the £20million arrival of Jakub Kiwior from Spezia, is acquiring Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda and a midfielder.

The journalist feels the Gunners' failed pursuit of Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz, after having three bids rejected last summer, shows Arteta is keen to strengthen his options in the middle of the park.

Taylor told GiveMeSport: "I reported after the Kiwior deal that it was still very much Fresneda and a midfielder.

"If you look at the Douglas Luiz deal last summer, it suggests that is a position that's of priority to Arsenal. I do expect them to be looking at opportunities there."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Are Arsenal close to making any signings?

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are in pole position to make Fresneda their latest signing after a breakthrough in talks.

The report suggests the Gunners have jumped ahead of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in the pecking order and are looking to seal a £13million deal which would involve the 18-year-old remaining with current employers Valladolid on loan until the end of the season.

Taylor recently told GiveMeSport that he is expecting Arsenal to win the race for Fresneda’s services ahead of the fast-approaching transfer deadline.

The Spaniard is set to make a decision over his next destination imminently, while Real Madrid have opted against taking advantage of an option to bring their former youth product back to the Bernabeu.

Newcastle United, who have also been in the hunt for Fresneda’s signature, appear to have fallen behind in the race to strike a deal.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here