Arsenal transfer rumours and news round-up: Wanyama wants to join, Gunners eager to reach agreement with Sanchez

Posted Tuesday, February 09, 2016 by squawka.com

Arsenal returned to winning ways this weekend with a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth, but it’s not just on the pitch where they’ve been busy.

It was a first win in five Premier League games for the Gunners, who jump above Manchester City into third place thanks to the Citizens’ loss to Leicester City, who travel to the Emirates this coming Sunday.

But having secured the acquisition of a key member of the league leaders’ back-room staff this week, Arsenal have already dealt the first blow to the Foxes off the field. Here’s a round-up of all things Arsenal following the weekend’s action.

Victor Wanyama wants to join Arsenal but his dream move to the Gunners is in jeopardy, with the Southampton midfielder’s ill-discipline in danger of putting Arsene Wenger off. Wanyama is currently delaying signing a new deal at St Mary’s and wants to move to a bigger club, with both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal linked with his signature. But the Kenyan was sent off for the third time this season at the weekend and now faces a five-game ban, leaving Wenger to think twice about moving for him in the summer. (Mirror)

Danny Welbeck looks to be back at his best after being captured on video scoring a blistering strike in training on Monday. Welbeck – who scored four leagoe goals last term – hasn’t played a competitive game since last April but did return to the pitch for Arsenal’s Under-21s last week, playing 60 minutes in a 4-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. He was back training and looking to regain his sharpness in front of goal today and netted a thunderous strike. (Arsenal’s official Twitter account)

Pick that one out! Welbz goes top bins https://t.co/23B5uQZckr
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) February 8, 2016

Arsenal have opened preliminary contract talks with Alexis Sanchez, who could pen a five-and-a-half-year deal worth a mammoth £51.5 million in the coming months. Sanchez missed the entire festive period through injury but has returned in recent weeks, featuring for 81 minutes in Sunday’s 2-0 win over AFC Bournemouth. He has scored six goals in 17 Premier League appearances this term and reportedly wants a wage increase to bring him in line with Mesut Ozil. (Football Insider)

The Gunners face Leicester City in a titanic top-of-the-table clash on Sunday and Arsene Wenger already has one-up on the Foxes having secured the signing of their head of technical scouting, Ben Wrigglesworth. He played a hand in bringing both Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante to the King Power Stadium but confirmed that he is now moving to the Emirates in a first-team video scout role. (His official Twitter account)