An update has emerged on Arsenal and their efforts to bolster their squad during the January transfer window...

What's the talk?

Evening Standard reporter Simon Collings has revealed that the Gunners are keen on a deal to sign Eduardo Camavinga from Spanish giants Real Madrid as Edu attempts to improve Mikel Arteta's options in the middle of the park.

The journalist has claimed that the club are looking into the possibility of signing him on a temporary basis before pursuing their number one target, Declan Rice, in the summer.

He Tweeted: "Arsenal are interested in a loan move for Eduardo Camavinga during current transfer window. Unclear if Real Madrid would sanction it, but player has struggled for minutes recently. Declan Rice still No1 summer target for midfield."

Albert Sambi Lokonga upgrade

Edu could land Arteta an upgrade on current Arsenal central midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga by convincing Carlo Ancelotti to part ways with Camavinga this month.

Bringing in the French international on loan until the end of the season could be a shrewd move by the Gunners as they would be bringing in a supremely talented young player to bolster their squad for a number of months, without needing to splash out mega money on a transfer fee.

The Real Madrid gem could come in and put pressure on Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey - providing serious competition for places. Lokonga has been restricted to two starts in the Premier League this season and has been unable to break into Arteta's thinking on a regular basis.

Camavinga, who Talent scout Jacek Kulig once dubbed "exceptional", is an excellent passer of the ball and is able to contribute defensively, whereas Lokonga struggles out of possession.

The Belgian midfielder ranks in the bottom percentile of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for tackles and blocks per 90 over the last 365 days, whilst the Madrid dynamo ranks in the top 15% in both statistics.

They both rank in the top 6% of midfielders for pass completion in that time and this indicates that they both excel at finding their teammates and are not liabilities in possession.

However, their respective defensive statistics suggest that Camavinga would be a significant upgrade on Lokonga from a defensive perspective, as he is one of the most active tacklers and blockers in Europe's top five leagues whilst the Arsenal man is one of the least active.

Therefore, Edu could improve Arteta's options in midfield by striking a deal to sign the £140k-per-week Frenchman before the window slams shut.