Arsenal open talks over January swoop for breakthrough star

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering a January move for Roma youngster Leandro Paredes in order to strengthen his midfield ranks ahead of the second half of the season, according to reports from The Sun.

The 22-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Serie A side Empoli, has made a spot in his parent club’s first team his own this term – making 16 appearances in all competitions thus far.

It seems that from his performances, the defensive midfielder has attracted interest from the Gunners boss, who has made contact with the Argentine’s representatives over a move.

The Frenchman has seen his side mature this season, having not lost since the opening day defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, and will want to do all he can in the winter window in order to build a serious title challenge in his twentieth year at the club.

Wenger bought in Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka over the summer, and has also seen Francis Coquelin perform well in a defensive role, therefore it is unlikely that Paredes would become a starter should he make the switch to North London.