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.

Monday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:

Ainsley Maitland-Niles 'desperate to leave Arsenal'

Arsenal's versatile midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is reportedly desperate to leave the club before Monday's transfer deadline.

The 23-year-old has failed to nail down a regular place in Mikel Arteta's starting lineup and is hoping to move to a club where he can receive more game time.

The Daily Mirror reports that Leicester City are interested in a loan deal with an option to buy in the summer, while Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United have also registered their interest.

Maitland-Niles is hoping to represent England at next summer's Euro 2020, having established himself as a regular in Gareth Southgate's plans, but understands that he may have to move away from the Emirates if he is to make the final 23-man squad.

The midfielder was understood to have been close to a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, however the Gunners were keen for him to stay and turned down a £20m offer.

Maitland-Niles has played in 11 of Arsenal's 21 Premier League matches this campaign, failing to score and providing just one assist.

Newcastle United to loan Joe Willock from Arsenal?

Newcastle United could reportedly look to strike a loan deal for Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock before Monday's transfer deadline.

The 21-year-old has starred in the Europa League with three goals and three assists for Mikel Arteta's side this term, but he has found Premier League opportunities hard to come by.

The recent arrival of Martin Odegaard means that Willock is third in the number 10 pecking order behind the Norwegian and Emile Smith Rowe, so a January exit could supposedly be on the cards in the coming hours.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has earmarked Willock as his number one target, and the Magpies are hopeful of convincing Arsenal to sanction a temporary deal.

However, the report adds that the Gunners are reluctant to let another midfielder leave if Ainsley Maitland-Niles - who is supposedly a target for Leicester City and Southampton - heads for the exit door.

Willock has only made seven top-flight appearances for the Gunners all season, with five of them coming as a substitute.

More transfer news from Arsenal:

Liverpool 'bidding to sign a centre-back on transfer deadline day'
Virgil Van Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Fabinho are on the Reds' treatment table. Read more.

Leicester City lining up move for Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles?
Leicester City reportedly join the race for Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is holding out for a move elsewhere in order to boost his England chances. Read more.