Arsenal Transfer News: All the Latest Rumors, Part 2

This blog is the sequel to Arsenal transfer rumors 1. In this blog, I am going to brush up all the left over rumors, some of which are pretty intriguing.

Per Mertesacker is a firm defender, and in recent times speculations were rife that he's "on the verge" of a move to Arsenal.

Although it was a welcome rumor, Werder Bremen soon announced that he's not for sale. I am sure it was a wild assumption by some laid-off creatures.

It wouldn't be a summer without Arsenal being linked with Lille Winger Eden Hazard. Arsenal have been linked with Hazard since his birth and the player himself has expressed a desire to play for Arsenal.

The 19-year-old winger has been highly rated by many and already he's labeled as "Little Messi.” Not sure how "Little Messi” will play when he grows up.

Nonetheless, Arsenal will have to shell out £15m- £20m for tempting Lille to sell its most valuable possession.

England midfielder Joe Cole is a free agent this summer.

Formerly, Wenger expressed his admiration for the player, and since then Cole "has been very close" to signing for Arsenal.

Cole's wage demand is a concern for potential buyers.

It's known that Cole demanded £130k-per-week at Chelsea to extend his contract with the Blues. That's outrageous money for a player like Cole.

Arsenal can't afford such a deluxe contract for any player, let alone Cole. Hence no call for Cole.

Wigan Atletic striker Hugo Rodallega has also been linked with Arsenal. He scored 13 goals last season. He has also expressed his desire to play for a top four club.

The £10m-rated striker has impressed many with his impressive performances, but Arsenal's attacking options are too good to afford a player like Rodallega.

The striker himself has claimed that Arsenal have tabled a bid, and if it's true, Wenger would be making a fool out of himself.

Arsenal can use that £10m elsewhere instead of buying an ordinary striker.
Arsenal transfer rumors wouldn't be complete without Cesc-to-Barcelona saga. Rumors about Fabregas are pouring in and causing thundershowers at Wenger's camp.

It's believed that Cesc Fabregas has expressed a desire to leave in a confidential meeting with Wenger.

Barcelona, too, made a tentative approach but stopped short of making a bid. The most ludicrous aspect of this eternal transfer saga is Barcelona's meager valuation of the player.

The Catalan club is loath to pay more than £30m for Fabregas, who was part of their youth team.

He's only 23 but his understanding of the game is exceptional. He's one of the best young midfielders in the world, if not the best.

When players like Ibrahimovic were rated close to £70m, Barcelona's hollowness is beyond me.

England sensation James Milner is commanding a market price of £25m and above, comparatively, Fabregas should dictate a fee in the range of £50m- £60m.

To give a new twist to the tale, Real Madrid-bound Jose Mourinho has reportedly included Fabregas on his summer targets list.

This is not good news for Wenger or for Arsenal.

But Barcelona will be forced to pay appropriate fees for signing the Arsenal captain.

Incidentally, if Real Madrid table a bid of £50m or more Arsenal can hold out Barcelona's advances until they offer a similar fee.

Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Bordeaux playmaker Yoann Gourcuff as a replacement, should Fabregas leave. Gourcuff has a buy-out clause of £22m on his contract. If needed Wenger will get him for a reasonable price.

On that note, I believe I have covered all the major transfer rumors. We can expect a lot more in the forthcoming weeks.

It will be an interesting summer for Arsenal and its fans. For the first time in ages, we may find Wenger signing three or four players in a single window.

Wenger has already made it clear that all major deals will be done before the start of the World Cup. So, from tomorrow we could/may/might see an influx of new defenders to Arsenal.