Arsenal fans are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window, as injuries and lack of form have seen the Gunners struggle through much of their 2014-15 Premier League campaign so far.The club's 2-1 Champions League win over Anderlecht did little to ease the minds of the Gooners, with the Belgian champions highlighting the London club's defensive frailties and lack of dominance in midfield by coming within minutes of recording a shock upset.Arsene Wenger is expected to deal in January and already has his eyes on several targets, according to the latest reports. So, let's have a look at how things stand with little more than two months left before the window opens.Virgil van Dijk Praises ArsenalDutch international Virgil van Dijk is reportedly a target for Wenger in January and, as reported by The Independent's Chris Wheatley, the centre-back dropped a big hint on Friday that he might be interested in a move:The Daily Telegraph's Jeremy Wilson previously reported on Arsenal's interest in Van Dijk, who has greatly impressed while anchoring Celtic's defence in the 2014-15 season.The 23-year-old has played every minute of Celtic's Europa League campaign so far, per WhoScored.com, and combines excellent physical attributes with solid vision and positioning on the pitch. He's still quite raw, but he is already drawing rave reviews from scouts and pundits.The centre-back would add some much-needed depth to a defensive unit that has been rocked with injuries, and after stating he "has ambitions," it's easy to deduce he is open to the idea of starting a new challenge at a bigger club.Celtic won't be willing to part with their star defender on the cheap, but compared to some of the more accomplished defenders who might be available in January, an investment in the Dutchman should fit well within Arsenal's transfer budget.Sami Khedira Lowers Wage DemandsNo player has seen his name linked more with a move to the Emirates than Real Madrid's Sami Khedira, and according to Corriere Dello Sport (h/t Metro), the Germany international is now willing to lower his wage demands to force a January move.The Italian newspaper claims the midfielder could settle for a wage packet of 80,000 per week, removing another obstacle to a potential deal. The next could be Real manager Carlo Ancelotti, however, as he told reporters that Khedira won't be allowed to leave, via the London Evening Standard's Simon Johnson.As reported in that article, Ancelotti said, "We have until June to reach an agreement with him. If he wants to sign an extension, the club will renew him. If not, he will leave the team at the end of the season."Khedira is viewed as the perfect solution to the Gunners' midfield conundrum, as he would add a calming defensive presence in front of a defence that has received little protection from any of the holding midfielders so far in the 2014-15 campaign.The 27-year-old has the technical ability to fit Wenger's philosophy, which requires all players on the pitch to be capable of contributing to the buildup, regardless of position. Khedira isn't a bruiserinstead, he's a technician with the positional awareness to stop attacks before they develop.While the Gunners would undoubtedly love to add him to their squad, Ancelotti's insistence that he won't be moved means they may have to wait until summer to do so.Arsenal Join Race For Demarai GrayBirmingham youngster Demarai Gray is being courted by Liverpool, but according to The Sun's Charlie Wyett, Arsenal and Tottenham are also showing interest in his services.The Reds reportedly have a matching clausesomething they insisted on when they loaned Jordan Ibe to the Bluesmeaning they could match any offer the Gunners or Spurs make.As shared by BBC West Midlands Radio's Twitter feed, the club refutes the existence of such a clause:The 18-year-old has played in a starring role for England's U19 squad and is already being compared to Liverpool's Raheem Sterling for his similar playing style and extraordinary potential.Gray has incredible talent but still needs plenty of time to develop. Meanwhile, Birmingham may be reluctant to sell its most prized asset. A deal that would allow the Gunners to loan him back to the Blues could be the perfect solution for all parties involved.Follow @ReverschPassRead more World Football news on BleacherReport.com
Click here to read full news..
