The January transfer window is now open, with Arsenal continuing to be linked with a host of big names.

The Gunners have endured a torrid first half of the season and have been tipped to bolster their ranks this month - in addition to offloading out-of-favour players - in a bid to turn their campaign around.

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

Thursday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:

Arsenal 'to battle Barcelona for Eric Garcia'

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race for Manchester City centre-back Eric Garcia.

The 20-year-old's current deal at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire this summer, and it is understood that he will not be penning fresh terms with Pep Guardiola's side.

Barcelona have been strongly linked with the Spain international, who left Camp Nou in 2017 to move to the Citizens, where he has developed into a first-team player.

However, the fact that Barca's presidential elections have been delayed means that it is unlikely that the Catalan giants will be able to re-sign Garcia before the end of the month.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who coached Garcia at City, is keen on a reunion at the Emirates Stadium.

The report claims that the centre-back favours a return to Barca but has not ruled out the possibility of moving to London in 2021.

Garcia has made eight appearances for Guardiola's side during the 2020-21 campaign.

Arsenal 'are not in for Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt'

Arsenal reportedly have no interest in signing Borussia Dortmund playmaker Julian Brandt.

The 24-year-old was thought to be one of the Gunners' creative targets in the January transfer window, but they have since welcomed Martin Odegaard to the club on loan from Real Madrid.

Brandt has struggled for consistent starts in the Bundesliga this term, but according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Germany international was never close to a switch to the Premier League.

Romano adds that Brandt will remain at the Westfalenstadion - where he is tied down to until 2024 - for at least the next six months, but a future on his decision is set to be made once the season is over.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man has only managed one goal and one assist in the 2020-21 top-flight campaign, although he has played the full 90 minutes in Dortmund's last three Bundesliga matches.

Odegaard penned a loan deal at the Emirates Stadium despite Arsenal's interest in Emiliano Buendia, and the Norwich City attacker looks to be staying put Carrow Road even after the Gunners had reportedly made contact with his agent.

More transfer news from Arsenal:

Martin Odegaard joins Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid
The Norway international midfielder has had few first team opportunities at the Bernabeu. Read more.