With the January transfer window just weeks away, transfer rumors are starting to take off. One of the latest rumors is that Arsenal is preparing a bid of £16M to bring James McCarthy to London. The Gunner's manager, Arsene Wenger is thought to be looking for a defensive midfielder to replace an aging Mikel Arteta. His only other current option is Mathieu Flamini who has not played well when called into action.
Everton manager, Roberto Martinez knew McCarthy well from their time together at Wigan and brought the player over last season for a fee of £13M. McCarthy, 24 is considered a key part of the Blue's young team and the club will likely reject any such bid from Arsenal. Martinez's best option to stop these rumors in their tracks is to come to terms on a new contract with the player. Until then, the reports state that Wenger would be open to upping the bid to entice Everton to part ways with the player.
Currently McCarthy is injured with a grade-one hamstring tear that he suffered in last week's Europa League win over Wolfsburg. That injury though is not scaring off potential suitors though as Arsenal are set to push through on the bid. They are also rumored to be interested in Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton and Grzegorz Krychowiak from Sevilla just in case they cannot strike a deal with the Toffees.
In other transfer rumor news, the Echo is reporting that Tim Howard could be heading back Stateside. They think he could be the first signing of David Beckham's new Major League Soccer team based in Miami. This all seems a little premature considering that they still have not settled on a home and the team's future is in doubt.
The same article also puts forth a a rumor that Everton is willing to move Steven Pienaar in the transfer window and will listen to offers. The thirty two year-old midfielder from South Africa has only made three appearances for the club this year and could also be eager to see playing time with a different club.