Arsenal have added Barcelona attacking midfielder Riqui Puig to their shortlist of targets for the January transfer window, according to The Athletic.

The Gunners are very keen to sign a playmaker and they have identified the Spanish Under 21 international as one of four possible options.

RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku, Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt and Norwich’s Emi Buendia have all been mentioned as potential targets recently but the links to Puig are new.

Despite being hailed as one of Barca’s stars of the future, he has barely featured under manager Ronald Koeman this campaign, having played just three minutes in the league.

It is believed Puig is not putting in the required effort in training, which would raise alarm bells, considering Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta needs players who are willing to work hard and fight for the cause.

The Spaniard may be looking to prove Koeman and his critics wrong, though, if he were to move on loan to the Emirates, so it will be interesting to see whether the Gunners do go after the 21-year-old next month.