Arsenal transfer news: Ozil issues positive update, Barcelona want Wenger's top target and more - 22nd October 2017

Ozil responds to Manchester United speculation

Rumours abounded in the past few days about Mesut Ozil telling his friends of his confidence to join Manchester United next year. However, the German took to Twitter to issue a response in an indirect manner.

Ignore the noise and stay focused! ?? #COYG #EFCvAFC @arsenal pic.twitter.com/Gjaf4reVsL

— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) October 21, 2017

While it does not confirm that he will be signing a new contract but it does give a glimmer of hope to the Gunners of a possible stay. Ozil's contract expires at the end of the season, so there has been quite a lot of speculation that he could either move on for free next summer or join a rival club for a cut-price fee come January.

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Barcelona join Arsenal in the race for Andre Silva

The race for Silva heats up

The AC Milan striker joined only in the summer but has failed to hit the ground running in Italy. Silva has been in fine form for the Italian side in the Europa League, though. The Portuguese has scored six goals and picked up an assist in seven games, thereby attracting attention from European teams.

As per Corriere dello Sport, both Barcelona and Arsenal are interested in the 21-year old forward and want to sign him in January. Arsenal could possibly lose Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez next year while Barcelona need a replacement for Paco Alcacer, who is set to leave the Spanish club in January.

While a transfer will hurt Milan who are trying to get back to the big time, Arsenal can definitely benefit from the signing if they can fend off Barcelona.

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Joel Campbell wants to leave Arsenal permanently

Campbell's time with the Gunners is coming to an end

The 25-year old is on loan for the sixth time this season since joining the Gunners in 2011. Campbell's contract is set to expire in the summer and he clarified his desire of staying in Spain with Real Betis, where he is on loan for the second year running.

The Costa Rica attacker said:

"I will try to give my best this season, (hopefully) in the end the club is happy with what I do and they want to bet on me."

Arsenal is unlikely to extend Campbell's stay and this could be the end of the player's association with the London club.