Monday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: Julian Brandt, Mesut Ozil, Houssem Aouar

The summer transfer window has now closed, with Arsenal pulling off one of the standout deals on deadline day.

The Gunners triggered the release clause of Thomas Partey to cap off a relatively busy summer which saw the likes of Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes join too, and attention will now begin to turn to January.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.

Monday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:

Arsenal 'interested in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt'

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Arsenal have reportedly identified Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt as a potential January transfer target.

The Gunners have struggled for goals this season, finding the back of the net just 15 times in 15 games - three of which came against Chelsea on Saturday.

That was the first time Arsenal had scored more than once in a Premier League game since October 4, leading the club's board to look at bringing in a creative midfielder during the January window.

Mesut Ozil remains exiled from the first-team squad under Mikel Arteta, while Arsenal have also been heavily linked with a move for Lyon's Houssem Aouar.

However, The Athletic reports that Brandt has now emerged as a possible target, despite only starting six Bundesliga games this season.

The 24-year-old only joined Dortmund for around £23m in 2019 but has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot this season, contributing one goal and one assist in 22 games across all competitions.

Arsenal currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, having lost eight of their 15 games so far this season.

Arsenal squad 'split over Mesut Ozil exile'

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The Arsenal dressing room is reportedly divided over Mikel Arteta's decision to freeze Mesut Ozil out of the first-team picture this season.

The 32-year-old is Arsenal's highest earner on £350,000 per week but has not played for the team in any competition since March.

Arteta left Ozil out of his squads for the Premier League and Europa League, but the Gunners have struggled in his absence, losing eight of their 15 top-flight outings so far and scoring only 15 goals in the process.

The former Germany international could be recalled when Arsenal renew their Premier League squad after the January transfer window, and The Telegraph reports that a senior group of players are lobbying for Arteta to perform a U-turn after being impressed by Ozil's performances in training.

Arteta is not thought to have any plans to welcome Ozil back into the fold, though, with the World Cup winner's contract due to expire in the summer.

Ozil is free to open talks over a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from Friday and is almost certain to leave Arsenal when his current deal runs out.

Turkish side Fenerbahce have been linked with a move for the playmaker, while a switch to the MLS has also been mooted.

More transfer news from Arsenal:

Arsenal 'cool interest in Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar'
Arsenal reportedly cool their interest in Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, having developed reservations over a player who was heavily linked with a move last summer. Read more.

Liverpool to poach Folarin Balogun from Arsenal?
Premier League champions Liverpool are reportedly among a growing list of clubs interested in poaching highly-rated 19-year-old Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun. Read more.

Arsenal eye Brighton's Tariq Lamptey as Hector Bellerin replacement?
Arsenal reportedly identify Brighton & Hove Albion defender Tariq Lamptey as an ideal replacement for Hector Bellerin, who is being linked with a return to Barcelona. Read more.

Juventus 'turn down chance to sign Arsenal's Mesut Ozil for free in January'
Juventus reportedly reject Arsenal's offer to sign Mesut Ozil for free next month, even with the Gunners paying half of the playmaker's £350k-a-week salary. Read more.