3pm Arsenal news: Pepe snubs Gunners, Benatia-Ramsey swap, Bellerin at London Fashion Week, and Suarez signing
Read this and more of the latest transfer news from the Emirates, plus a late team change at Blackpool.
UNAI PIPPED
THE GUNNERS have suffered a major blow in their chase for former Real Madrid defender Pepe.
The Portuguese star was released by Besiktas in December – but has snubbed Arsenal in favour of a move to Monaco.
BIG BEN
ARSENAL want to swap their outgoing midfielder Aaron Ramsey for Juventus' Medhi Benatia this month in a bid to curb their defensive crisis.
The Gunners star is expected to join the Italians on a free transfer when his contract runs out in the summer – but the North Londoners are hoping to get something from the deal in January.
WHAT THE HEC?
ARSENAL defender Hector Bellerin ditched the Gunners' FA Cup tie against Blackpool to attend London Fashion Week.
The Spaniard, who was injured for the clash at Bloomfield Road, showed off his love for fashion, turning up in a long jacket and single striped glove.
CECH MATE
UNAI EMERY has cast doubt over Petr Cech's future at the Emirates.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper started in Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Blackpool in the FA Cup but might follow Aaron Ramsey and leave as a free agent in the summer.
'JOYS OF REHAB'
DANNY WELBECK is all smiley in photos he shared on social media as he continues his rehab from an ankle injury.
The England international provided fans with an update on his recovery having undergone two operations on his foot, and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
CARL OF DUTY
CARL JENKINSON found himself back in Arsenal's starting line-up as the Gunners beat Blackpool 3-0 in the third round of the FA Cup.
A late injury to Laurent Koscielny meant that the utility man started at right-back while Lichtsteiner moved to the centre.
SET TO SUAR
ARSENAL are on the verge of completing a deal for Suarez of Barcelona… but not that one!
Unai Emery is looking to make a quick move for midfielder Denis Suarez to replace Aaron Ramsey.
WE'LL WAIT FOR OX
ARSENAL are reportedly plotting a swoop for Reece Oxford from West Ham, but may wait until the summer to do it.
The Hammers are believed to be keen to offload the 20-year-old defender during this month’s window.
GUNNER GO?
THERE will be plenty of empty seats in the home sections of Bloomfield Road when Arsenal travel to Blackpool for the FA Cup clash.
Less than 3,000 tickets have been sold to the Seasiders' fans in the 17,338-seater stadium as supporters plan to boycott in the latest protests against owner Owen Oyston.
TIGHT ARSE
ARSENAL owner Stan Kroenke has not invested a penny of his own money in the Gunners in the past decade – despite a £7billion fortune.
The American is the only Premier League chief not to dig into his own pocket, in comparison to Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners contributing £1.275bn in that time.
CASHING IN
AARON RAMSEY is set for a mega £8million signing-on fee should he join Juventus next summer.
Reports in Italy suggest the Gunners midfielder has agreed a deal to move to the Old Lady when he contract is up at the end of the season – and will net a series of hefty appearance bonuses.
'NO NEW INVINCIBLES'
ARSENAL fans have mocked Liverpool following the Reds' first defeat of the season.
The Gunners supporters took to Twitter to celebrate, after the loss meant that the North London club remain the only club to go unbeaten throughout an entire campaign.
RAMSEY IN JUVE 'AGREEMENT'
AARON RAMSEY has reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with Juventus.
The Arsenal midfielder becomes a free agent in June after the Gunners withdrew their offer of an extension last year.
NEW BLOW FOR OZIL
MESUT OZIL is set to miss Arsenal’s FA Cup third round trip to Blackpool on Saturday after sitting out training this morning.
The German playmaker is still struggling with a knee injury and will not be risked against the League One team.
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