Arsenal players discuss Julian Brandt transfer as Mikel Arteta reveals January plans
All the very latest Arsenal news, views and transfer rumours ahead of the Gunners' trip to the Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday evening
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Arteta discusses January transfer plans
Mikel Arteta - the Arsenal manager - has revealed that several players will leave the Emirates Stadium during this month's January transfer window.
The window officially opens for business tomorrow, with the window expected to be a busy one for the Gunners, both in terms of new arrivals and departures.
On Thursday, left-back Sead Kolasinac became the first player to depart the club, re-joining German outfit Schalke on loan for the rest of the season, with the deal officially coming into effect from Monday, January 4.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Gunners chief Arteta explained: "Well, we have a large squad. We knew that.
"A lot of things that should have happened in the summer we could not accomplish them for different reasons.
"There are a lot of players that are going to go on loan. They are going to leave.
"And that’s the priority at the moment because we cannot sustain the numbers that we have in certain positions We are looking to do that."
Kolasinac sends message to Gunners squad
Left-back Kolasinac has wished his Arsenal team-mates all the very best for the rest of the season after his loan switch to Schalke was confirmed.
The Bosnian international joined his former club on loan for the remainder of the season yesterday in an attempt to help them avoid relegation to Bundesliga.2, with the club currently rooted to the foot of the table.
But before the defender has had chance to get settled in his new surroundings, he has wished his Gunners team-mates all the very best.
In a tweet, the defender wrote: "I wish my team all the best for the next six months! Thanks for everything!
"Stay strong, stay safe and stay healthy!"
Gunners stars discussing Brandt speculation
As the January transfer window prepares to spark into life, Arsenal are being closely linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt, as the club aims to bolster its attacking-midfield options.
The Gunners have been keen to strengthen that position for several months after missing out on Lyon ace Houssem Aouar.
However, Brandt is the latest name to enter the fold, with reports in Germany claiming that Arsenal are keen to land his signature.
According to Sport Bild reporter Christian Falk, as relayed by the Daily Express, the Gunners' interest in the Germany international is genuine and the Arsenal players are already discussing his potential arrival.