Georginio Wijnaldum's move to Arsenal builds pace as PSG star's stance emerges

Georginio Wijnaldum has found things difficult since moving from Liverpool to Paris Saint-Germain, and talk of a return to the Premier League have persisted throughout the January transfer window.

Arsenal are among the clubs most strongly linked with a move for the Dutchman, while former club Newcastle United have also been mentioned in connection with a player who left St James' Park for Anfield in 2016, and suggestions of a London switch is gathering pace.

The Gunners have been urged to move for Wijnaldum, who is thought to have become isolated in the PSG dressing room and has started just

Wijnaldum is currently sidelined through injury, but his fondness for Arsenal may encourage the Gunners - as might new developments regarding his desire for a return to the Premier League.

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Arsenal have found themselves light in midfield of late, though the return of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka for their next game will go some way to easing the pressure.

They have also been strongly linked with Juventus midfielder Arthur, with talks over a loan deal continuing over the last few days.

However, a move for Wijnaldum could very much still be on the table, given the player's own attachments.

"He's not going to come out ever in public and say 'I want to leave PSG', because you wouldn't want to spoil your relationship with the fans by doing anything like that," according to Sky Sports' Transfer Show.

"And anyway, we can't say definitively that he wants to leave PSG, because they're one of the richest, strongest clubs in the world, they've got incredible players like Lionel Messi,Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

"But, what we're being told is that he would like to return to the Premier League. Now, I'm not saying he wants to return to the Premier League today, or this week, or even in the summer, but he would like to return to the Premier League and we keep being told that he would like to play for Arsenal.

While PSG are not thought to be in any rush to sell Wijnaldum, there is still a chance their squad becomes more congested in January as they continue to be linked with Tottenham's Tanguy Ndombele.

French forward Mbappe is among those reported to be keen on Ndombele joining the club, and the arrival of the 25-year-old could yet prompt Arsenal to take advantage of Wijnaldum's attachment to the London club.

"They're a club that he admired a lot when he was growing up, some people have told me that he was an Arsenal fan - I'm not 100 per cent sure that he was an Arsenal fan, but it is definitely something that appeals to him," Sky's report continues.

"Who knows - if PSG were to sign Ndombele on loan would they let one of their midfielders go? Would then Wijnaldum become an option for Arsenal? Because we know Arsenal are looking for a midfielder as well. Those are the kinds of things in the background, but obviously, PSG have consistently said we don't want him to leave."