Arsenal Transfer News: Olivier Giroud and Players Gunners Must Secure

Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

After finishing third in the English Premier League, Arsenal is looking to bring together the right players to make a run for the trophy for this year.

Throughout the transfer window, numerous names have been linked with Arsenal. But as of now, some names have finally emerged as being interested in playing in North London. 

Arsene Wenger has already moved in the right direction by signing German forward Lukas Podolski. Wenger, though, still and has his sights set on players that can complement the powerful forward as well as help remove some pressure from captain Robin Van Persie.

Here are some players that have been targeted by the club and others who have been rumored to be interested.

Olivier Giroud

Ian Walton/Getty Images

The French national team member has been linked with Arsenal since the beginning of the transfer window.

Giroud is a striker with Montpellier in the French League, but has been interested in playing club soccer in England, according to a tweet from reporter Matt Spiro.

According to David Ornstein from the BBC, the deal is imminent and Giroud will probably receive a deal in the range of £12 million.

Giroud would be a great addition to the club because he is a very tall and strong attacker in the box. 

He plays balls well from the air and will be a great complement to captain Robin Van Persie.

Given Giroud's meteoric rise in the past two years, Arsenal would pay a nice tidy sum without breaking bank and would solidify the front line with Giroud's presence.

Mario Gotze

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

German international midfielder and Borussia Dortmund star Mario Götze has been a target of Arsene Wagner since December, according to Scott Murray of The Guardian. 

However, even with rumors swirling that the team was going to offer him a record £25 million bid, it seems he will not be donning an Arsenal kit any time soon.

His dynamic play in the midfield and great feeds would have been a great addition to the team, especially with Giroud at striker and van Persie up front as well. 

Despite that, The Sun has reported that Götze and Borussia Dortmund have agreed on a contract extension through 2016. 

As of now, all talks have died and there seems little to no chance Arsenal will be able to procure Götze for even part of the upcoming season.

Lucas Biglia

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

The midfielder has been rumored to be a player of interest for Arsenal. 

He has had a good season with Anderlecht but hopes to move to a top European club, according to Ross Gregory of The Sun.

Though he has been scouted for awhile, The Metro reports that Biglia must improve his style of play if he wants to play for a better European club. 

According to The Metro, he is seen as an older midfielder who has good technical abilities but really shines on set pieces. 

Yann M'Vila

Ian Walton/Getty Images

Just recently, Yann M'Vila stated that as soon as Euro 2012 ends, he would like Arsenal to make him a formal offer, according to Charles Higson Smith of The Guardian.

M'Vila is reportedly asking for £17 million which may be a bit high for Wenger, but given M'Vila's vocal desire to play in the EPL, Wenger may be able to negotiate for a lower price.

The defensive midfielder has been a target for several months and his addition to the roster will be a welcome one.

He plays a controlling style and he can rotate with midfielder Alex Song. According to Smith of The Guardian, this move would allow for Song "to push forward and rotate the center midfield role with Mikel Arteta."

Fernando Llorente

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

The Spanish striker is currently in action at Euro 2012 but rumors have begun to swirl that he will be leaving La Liga's Athletic Bilbao to play in England.

Bill Mann from The Week reports that Llorente was reportedly asked about a possible future in England and he responded "I might end up playing in England, who knows,” he replied, quickly adding: "At the moment I'm at Athletic Bilbao, but who knows later.”

If Llorente does decide to move, he will have a steep price tag. His club is reportedly asking for €36 million, the amount his buy-out clause amounts to. 

With van Persie in the lineup as well, Giroud or Llorente could enter games as valuable second half subs.

Llorente would be a great addition for the team as he has great field vision and knows how to close out scoring opportunities.

His steep price, however, might be too much for Wenger to spend on the forward.

Here is a highlight video of a match between Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United.