Arsenal scouting Barcelona's Riqui Puig?

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a swoop for out-of-favour Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig during the January transfer window.

The Spaniard stayed put at Camp Nou over the summer despite being linked with a move elsewhere, although Puig is yet to start a game under Ronald Koeman this term.

Koeman recently hinted that the midfielder has not been working hard enough in Blaugrana training, and now Puig is expected to be made available on loan next month.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal have identified Puig as a potential solution to their lack of creativity, with the Gunners keen to address their goalscoring problems heading into the second half of the season.

The report also adds that a move for Lyon's Houssem Aouar is dead in the water, but the Gunners could also attempt to swoop for Julian Brandt or Emiliano Buendia if a deal for Puig does not materialise.

Leeds United have also been credited with an interest in Puig, who was reportedly branded a "leak" by Koeman after information relating to a possible summer departure was made public.