Arsenal target hands in transfer request?

Arsenal could reportedly get their hands on one of Portugal's best in the upcoming transfer window.

The Gunners had been linked with a move for AS Monaco midfielder Joao Moutinho, as manager Arsene Wenger was keen on signing up a long-term replacement for club-captain Mikel Arteta.

However, the speculation was later rubbished by Monaco, who claimed that the player was not for sale in the near future.

According to The Mirror, a new twist has developed to the transfer story, with Moutinho seemingly believed to have placed a transfer request ahead of a potential switch away from the Principality outfit in the New Year.

Moutinho has scored two goals in 16 games for Monaco this season.