Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Latest on Gunners' Potential Dealings

Arsenal’s summer pursuit of top transfer targets is still without a major signing, but all signs point to at least one big deal before the window closes.

While Gonzalo Higuain may not be as close to leaving Real Madrid as previously expected, per John Drayton of the Daily Mail, Arsenal has had a hand in several big rumours this summer. Something has to give.

The Gunners are also said to be interested in Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, but according to Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph, Arsenal’s offer of about £30 million was quickly shot down by the Reds, who aren’t likely to accept anything less than top dollar for the Uruguayan scorer.

Higuain and Suarez may ultimately stay put, but that doesn’t mean Arsenal will throw in the towel on the transfer period. While those situations develop, Arsene Wenger is exploring other options.

Could Marouane Fellaini Be in Play?

As Matt Law of the Daily Mirror noted, Arsenal still has its sights set on Higuain, Suarez and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. But it seems the Gunners are also exploring the possibility of acquiring Everton’s Marouane Fellaini:

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Everton are already braced for a second bid from Moyes for another of his former players, Leighton Baines. Arsenal have made an enquiry over Fellaini, but have so far concentrated most of their efforts on trying to sign a striker after making ­approaches for Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain, United’s Wayne Rooney and ­Liverpool’s Luis Suarez.

The clock is now ticking for Arsenal and United over ­Fellaini, particularly as both clubs are away on long-haul ­pre-season tours.

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As Law also noted, the £23.5 million buyout clause in Fellaini’s deal will expire on August 14, at which point Everton is said to be expecting a sum in the area of £30 million for his services.

While Fellaini isn’t as skilled as the likes of Suarez and Rooney, he would be an excellent option for Wenger and the Gunners if they can acquire him short of the £30 million it would require to obtain him after August 14.

The Departing

The focus of Arsenal’s transfer strategy has been on the club’s pursuit of big-name talent. Lost in the shuffle is the talent departing the Emirates this summer.

While Wenger reportedly “remains a big admirer” of Gervinho, the striker didn’t travel with Arsenal on its two-week tour of Asia, and according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, now is a good opportunity for Gervinho to explore his transfer options.

Roma, Juventus, Lyon and Marseille are said to have interest in acquiring Gervinho, and considering his diminishing performance in the last two seasons, it wouldn’t be a surprise for Arsenal to let him go this summer, per Cross.

Cross also notes that the price for obtaining Gervinho could be in the area of £8 million—a sum Arsenal could put toward its pursuit of replacement options or a top-tier striker like Higuain, Suarez or Rooney.