Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up loan moves for midfielders Isco and Julian Draxler in the January transfer window if they are unable to sign any of their primary targets on permanent deals.
Manager Mikel Arteta is keen on bolstering his squad this month and is hoping to sign a creative midfielder, with Norwich City playmaker Emiliano Buendia one player on the Spaniard's radar.
However, the £40m price tag for the Argentinian would be a non-starter for the Gunners, who are strapped for cash and are focused on player departures before any big-money transfers can be considered.
Unless they can adjust their finances, the Daily Mirror reports that a short-term deal for either Isco or Draxler seems a more likely option for Arsenal.
Isco, 28, has played just 357 minutes for Real Madrid this season – providing one assist and failing to score – and has become a peripheral figure under head coach Zinedine Zidane.
Draxler has also struggled to cement a regular place in the starting lineup at Paris Saint-Germain – featuring only nine times for the French champions this campaign – and the 27-year-old's future remains uncertain, following the appointment of former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Arsenal may also have to decide on the future of German midfielder Mesut Ozil before they approach any club over a potential deal in January.
Oliver Thomas
