Transfer Talk: Arsenal eye shock Hazard swoop as Mudryk back-up

Premier League leaders Arsenal could make a shock move for former Chelsea star Eden Hazard.

The Gunners are growing frustrated in their attempts to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk and French outlet MediaFoot say they have identified the Real Madrid winger as a back-up.

Hazard, 32, is under contract at the Bernabeu until the end of next season but is expected to leave sooner rather than later following a disastrous spell since joining from the Blues in 2019.

Injury problems have limited the former Belgium captain to just 73 appearances across three-and-a-half seasons, including only three outings in LaLiga this term.

Despite that, Arsenal have already made contact with Los Blancos to see what it would take for them to sell their No7 this month.

Emirates chiefs remain in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over the signing of 22-year-old winger Mudryk but have reportedly seen two bids rejected amid interest from London rivals Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta is determined to land another attacker to set his squad up nicely for a title tilt in the second half of the campaign and will look elsewhere should they miss out on the Ukrainian.

Barcelona forward Memphis Depay is another potential option, with Spanish outlet Sport claiming the North Londoners are eyeing the Dutch international alongside Manchester United and Newcastle. 

In other news

Unai Emery is set to make Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno, 29, his first signing as Aston Villa boss with the Spaniard undergoing a medical ahead of a £12.4million move, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Times report that West Ham have renewed their interest in Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri, 25, and hope to sign the Morocco international on loan for the rest of the season.

Sporting have told Tottenham they must pay Pedro Porro’s £36.7m release clause in full if they want to sign the wing-back in January, say The Guardian.