Arsenal Transfer Report: Arsenal Close in on Nuri Sahin

According to a report on ESPN, Arsenal are close to sealing a season-long loan deal for Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin.

The Turkish playmaker has been a target for several top Premier League clubs, most notably Arsenal and Liverpool, but it seems that the Gunners have won the race for the young midfielder.

With defensive midfielder Alex Song having completed a £15 million move to Barcelona this weekend, the club's lack of depth in midfield was becoming a concern for fans.

But it looks like Arsene Wenger has been quick to act, and if the move is confirmed in the next 48 hours, Sahin could line up for the Gunners next weekend when they take on Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

Having made a high-profile move from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund to Spanish giants Real Madrid last summer, Sahin failed to spark, making only four La Liga appearances.

Sahin did fare better in the four games he played in the Champions League, as he was praised in some quarters for his performances. However, by all accounts, his was a very disappointing debut season in Madrid.

The Turkish International is still rated by many, though, as one of the most talented players of his generation.

On Saturday, Arsenal were unable to break down a defensive Sunderland side, opening their campaign with a 0-0 draw for the second season in a row.

However, there were positives to take away from the game, with new signing Santi Cazorla's performance giving Gunners fans reason for optimism ahead of what will likely prove a difficult season.

Debutants Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski also showed signs of being worthy replacements for departing Robin van Persie.