Arsenal Transfer News: Tracking Latest Rumours, Updates

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger will be looking to sign new players and off-load deadwood during the summer transfer window.

Which defensive midfielder not named Yann M'Vila has been linked with the Gunners? 

With transfer rumours in full bloom, let's take a look at the latest Arsenal transfer news. 

5. Yossi Benayoun

Chelsea have told Arsenal to sign on-loan midfielder Yossi Benayoun permanently or risk losing him to another club, according to Jamie Sanderson at Metro.co.uk. 

With the signing of Marko Marin, the emergence of Lucas Piazón and the likelihood of Josh McEachran receiving more playing time next season, it's clear Chelsea do not want Benayoun back. 

For Arsenal, Benayoun mainly played as a wide attacking midfielder on the left flank. He scored vital goals against Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion to salvage third place for the Gunners. 

André Villas-Boas arrogantly loaned Benayoun out to Arsenal knowing the Gunners were also competing for a top-four finish. This was another clear tactical blunder from Villas-Boas because, with the exception of Juan Mata, the Portuguese manager's midfield lacked creativity. 

What's the best situation for Arsenal regarding Benayoun? Sign him on a one-year deal because he'll be playing for his future (again). 

Now is it fair to him? No, but it's the safest choice for Arsenal because Benayoun is strictly an impact sub. 

He played 1,557 less Premier League minutes than Aaron Ramsey, yet scored two more goals than the Welshman. 

Alternatively, Arsenal should give Henri Lansbury a chance as an impact sub. I know it was against Azerbaijan, but Lansbury did his best impression of Paul Merson in the 6-1 win. 

Lansbury was fantastic in a 4-0 win over Belgium. He scored an audacious (but lucky) goal, added another goal and was a constant threat. 

4. Andrey Arshavin

Fulham are planning to sign Andrey Arshavin in order to pair him up with compatriot Pavel Pogrebnyak, according to caughtoffside.com. 

Arshavin hasn't been treated well at Arsenal because he was world-class as an attacking midfielder, yet forced to play as a wide attacking midfielder. 

That being said, Arshavin has deteriorated to the extent that it would make no sense to keep him. 

What I loved about Arshavin wasn't his silky skill, but his hilariously awkward answers in English.  

Here are a few funny and bizarre quotes from an interview he did with Soccer AM a few years ago:

"

Who's the best trainer? I think it's [Manuel] Almunia. 

Who's the most intelligent? Mikaël Silvestre. He looks smart and clever. 

Who has the worst taste in music? I can say me because I'm alone who doesn't have iPod.

Who's the best dancer? [Emmanuel] Eboué or [Bacary] Sagna. They often do dancing in dressing room...they do it naked. 

Who's the longest in the shower? I've got someone but I don't want to say. I should say? Jack Wilshere. 

"

3. Łukasz Fabiański

Benchwarmer Łukasz Fabiański has decided to leave Arsenal, according to ESPN Soccernet. 

Fabiański said, "I hope that my adventure with Arsenal has come to an end. I intend to leave and play in a strong league. I wanted to leave in the winter, too, but Arsène Wenger did not give a green light."

Good riddance. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. 

Before you go, tell your fellow squad players Manuel Almunia, Johan Djourou and Marouane Chamakh to also leave. 

2. Steven N'Zonzi

Arsenal are among several Premier League clubs chasing Steven N'Zonzi, according to Graeme Bailey at Sky Sports. 

The Frenchman has disregarded his defensive duties this season but looked impressive in possession. Essentially, he's an inferior version of Alex Song.

N'Zonzi played for a relegated club, so his defensive statistics should be inflated; instead, they're very anemic. This shows he isn't a strong ball winner. Factor in seven yellow cards and you have an inefficient tackler. 

Francis Coquelin has a bigger upside than N'Zonzi. 

League Only	Tackles Per Game	Interceptions Per Game	Fouls Per Game
N'Zonzi	1.7	1.7	1.5
Song	2.9	1.9	2.1
Coquelin	3.2	1.9	0.5
Yann M'Vila	3.1	2.5	0.8

1. Robin Van Persie

Anzhi Makhachkala will offer Arsenal £45 million to sell Robin van Persie, plus £300,000 per week as an incentive for the Dutchman to sign. 

Only £300,000 per week? Try £500,000 per week and van Persie might pay attention.   

Here are a few reasons why van Persie wouldn't even contemplate about playing for Anzhi:

1. They're in no position to win the UEFA Champions League.

2. He doesn't speak Russian.

3. His family is accustomed to the English way of life.

4. He could earn £250,000 per week at Manchester City, who'll be serious contenders for the Premier League and the Champions League.

5. It's Samuel Eto'o's team.

If Suleyman Kerimov is desperate for another goal scoring forward, try more cheaper and realistic targets like Burak Yılmaz, Sanharib Malki or Jérémy Perbet. 

£45 million for van Persie, whose contract ends next season, is beyond stupid. 

Please read What Man Utd Need to Know About Kwadwo Asamoah. 

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com.