Arsenal submit opening offer for FIRST January signing

Arsenal have reportedly seen an opening offer for Morocco U17 international Elyes Saidi rejected by AJ Auxerre.

The 16-year-old was the joint-top assist provider at the recent U17 World Cup with three and he has emerged as a target for Arsenal following his performances at the tournament.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side have seen their opening bid for Saidi turned down by Auxerre, as per a report from AfricaFoot. The Ligue 1 outfit view him as one of their “most promising prospects” and they are eager to retain his services as they look to eventually promote him into a first-team role.

The teenager is yet to make his senior debut for Auxerre, but he made his first appearance for the club’s B team during a 2-0 victory over US Orleans B in early October, before jetting off to Qatar to participate in the aforementioned U17 World Cup.

Arsenal strengthened their midfield roster with the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Eberechi Eze this summer, however they are keen to future-proof their squad and Saidi has been earmarked as a possible target for 2026 amid his eye-catching progress at Auxerre.

Arsenal’s January transfer plans

In addition to Saidi, Arsenal have also been linked with a January move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

Semenyo has attracted significant interest from the Gunners after a fantastic start to the new Premier League season, however multiple reports have confirmed that a mid-season switch to the Emirates Stadium is unlikely, with Liverpool currently the frontrunners for his signature.

Furthermore, Arsenal are expected to prioritise contract extension talks with Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice over the next few weeks as they look to agree fresh terms with three of their most important players.

Talks with Saka are set to conclude shortly, with an agreement in principle reached between all parties, while Rice and Timber are also due to sign extended deals at the Emirates Stadium.

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