Arsenal Transfer News: Big-Money Rumours on Arsene Wenger's Latest Targets

Arsenal are just one point from second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table, but focus is already shifting to the strengthening of Arsene Wenger's squad for next season.

A number of talents are high on the manager's shopping list, and rumours have emerged about potential captures.

Chris Smalling, Victor Wanyama and Rolando Aarons all appear to be high priorities for the Gunners as they look to solidify their options on their roster.

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Manchester United defender Smalling has performed well for Louis van Gaal's much-criticised back line this season, but if the Red Devils spend in the fashion of 12 months previous, the England player will become surplus to requirements. 

Simon Rice of The Independent quotes the player speaking amid the speculation of a potential transfer to Arsenal, following in the footsteps of Danny Welbeck to north London. But Smalling admits despite his contentment at Old Trafford, the club have yet to offer him a new contract, with just a year remaining on his current deal at the conclusion of the campaign:

"

I am enjoying it. I always have, and if I can contribute then I am happy to stay for as long as they want me. Yeah, and finish as strong as we can. If I can contribute as much as I can then I will be very happy.

I have not even really discussed it [a new contract] with anyone.

It's a case of the manager showing his faith in me and if I am playing I am happy and we have another eight games to finish as strong as we can.

There aren't any negotiations (under way) that I am aware of. I don't really take care of that.

"

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Smalling has suffered with minor injury this season but has been shown the faith of Van Gaal when available. The defender has played 18 times in the EPL this term, per WhoScored.com, usefully chipping in with three goals.

Smalling is probably not the first name Gunners fans would think of when recruiting defensive entities, especially with the modern thirst for big names, but the player has a good understanding of English football as well as Champions League experience.

And Oliver Kay of The Times recently highlighted Smalling's improved form, with the defender finally beginning to look like a senior talent:

Much like Welbeck, who was derided on his arrival at the Emirates by much of the public, Smalling can become an integral part of Wenger's matchday plans. He is still developing in terms of experience, and the work United have done with him will benefit Arsenal. 

Wanyama and Aarons Targeted by Gunners

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Justin Allen of The Sun writes Arsenal will look to bolster their midfield with the £20 million capture of Southampton's Victor Wanyama.

The powerful midfielder has impressed since arriving from Celtic and has been pivotal in the Saints' success of the past 18 months. 

The Kenyan is under contract at St Mary's until 2017, per Tom Olver of the Metro, but it seems Wenger is in a rush to acquire the 23-year-old.

Olver writes the Arsenal boss has switched his focus from one Southampton player to another, being more attracted now to Wanyama than Morgan Schneiderlin.

Schneiderlin's stock has exploded this year, and it could be a case he is now outside of the bracket Arsenal wish to pay for a defensive midfielder. 

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Wenger also seems set to do battle with EPL champions Manchester City and Liverpool for the services of Newcastle's much-lauded young attacker Rolando Aarons.

Clive Hetherington of the Mirror writes the Geordies have "shelved" contract talks with the England under-20 attacker, opening the door for the big teams of the EPL.

And Craig Hope of the Daily Mail described Aarons as "a real star" at the start of the current season, citing he is already "being billed as the new Raheem Sterling."

Smalling, Wanyama and Aarons would all be shrewd purchases by Wenger, despite their lack of true star status. They would give Arsenal additional skill-sets, currently not on display in the squad, whilst not sacrificing the average age of the team.

Smalling knows what it is like to win trophies, and this would be a positive reason to grab the United defender now. Arsenal's defence is a work in progress, and Smalling would bring balance to the back four.

Wanyama has already proved he is a big talent, and Wenger will recognise his need to add genuine power to the midfield. The greatest sides during the manager's long tenure have always had a defensive edge to them, but the Gunners haven't had this for many seasons.

Aarons would be a wild-card capture, but if he truly has similarities with Sterling—and there certainly seems to be—then buying him now makes perfect sense before he becomes a hero in a Magpies shirt.