Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Cesc Fabregas, Franck Ribéry, Samir Nasri and More

Though the transfer window is set to close in less than six weeks, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are still under contract with Arsenal.

Surprisingly little has occurred in North London so far this offseason, but activity is sure to increase as the deadline draws nearer.

Here are eight rumours in Emirates this week.

8. Board Pressures Wenger To Spend

Per The Sun, Arsene Wenger is under pressure from the board to close out some marquee signings.

This news comes in after it was revealed on Tuesday that many Arsenal fans concerned by the lack of transfer activity have declined to renew their season tickets, putting a financial stress on the club.

The pressure from the board will undoubtedly have a quickening effect on the normally snail-paced tempo at which Wenger typically operates during the transfer window.

Expect to see some heightened activity in North London during the next several weeks as Wenger brings in more talent to Emirates.

7. Blackburn Reveals Wenger Has Not Bid for Christopher Samba

According to Blackburn boss Steve Kean, no official bid has been submitted by any team, including Arsenal, for defender Chris Samba.

Samba has been linked to Arsenal for quite some time now, and was widely thought to be one of Arsene Wenger's top targets this offseason.

This story comes in a week after Bolton revealed that Arsenal had not submitted a bid for Gary Cahill, another defender linked to the Gunners.

The news should not surprise Arsenal fans, who have long suffered through Wenger's frugal spending habits. It is typical Wenger form to make only enquiries where actual bids are needed.

6. Arsenal Shift Attention from Gary Cahill to Scott Dann

Arsenal are preparing a £10 million bid for Birmingham City defender Scott Dann.

The Gunners appear to have shifted their attention to Dann after struggling to negotiate a deal for Bolton's Gary Cahill.

Birmingham City are nearly certain to sell the 24-year-old centre-back after being relegated to the Championship.

Dann missed the last four months of last season due to a hamstring injury, but is one of the premier young defenders in the league.

At 6'2" he is a perfect target for Arsenal, who are looking to beef up their back line. 

Chelsea and Stoke City are also thought to be interested in Dann.

5. Mathias Jorgensen Emerges as Dark-Horse Defender

Copenhagen captain Mathias Jorgensen has emerged as a legitimate dark horse to sign with Arsenal this summer.

The 6'3" defender has played for the Danish side for the past three years, winning the title each season.

Despite being just 21 years old, Jorgensen is the team's captain.

Valued at £5 million, Jorgensen could be a steal, and his signing would be a classic Wenger move.

4. Valencia's Juan Mata Available

Valencia boss Unai Emery has finally relented, admitting that Juan Mata could be bought for the right price.

The Spanish side has tenaciously attempted to hold onto Mata, but the pressure for the Spanish international to leave was too much.

"We cannot stop a player who really wants to leave for money or for a bigger club," said Emery. "If there is a large financial offer from any club, that is good for both us and him, we will have to let him leave.”

Mata would figure as a direct replacement for Samir Nasri should the Frenchman depart this summer.

3. Franck Ribéry Transfer Talks Escalating

Per the International Business Times, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have had "advanced talks" over the possible transfer of star midfielder Franck Ribéry.

The German giants appear frustrated that the French international spends more time injured than on the pitch, and are looking to offload him.

A Ribéry transfer would most likely be funded by a Fabregas sale, so this deal will have to be put on hold until the Barcelona situation is resolved.

2. Alexis Sanchez Deal Makes Fabregas Sale Unlikely

The deal Barcelona struck with Udinese for striker Alexis Sanchez vastly decreases the likelihood of a Fabregas sale.

Barça unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a part exchange with the Serie A side—both Bojan Krkic and Jeffren Suarez, the two potential makeweights, rejected moves to Italy, forcing the Catalan giants to pay cash.

The €26 million fee Barcelona paid to acquire the Chilean striker seriously depleted the Spanish side's transfer budget.

With Arsenal stoutly refusing to accept less than £40 million for their skipper, a Fabregas transfer appears impossible.

North London should not take a sigh of relief—there will certainly be more intrigue before the transfer window closes.

1. Samir Nasri Still Set To Play for Arsenal

Samir Nasri is set to begin the season with Arsenal.

The Gunners are running an enormous risk keeping Nasri, since he could walk away on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season if Arsenal cannot ink him to an extension.

The move seems foolish considering that Arsene Wenger has turned down several offers for the French international, most notably bids upwards of £20 million from both Manchester clubs.

Arsenal's best hope to secure Nasri's services for the long term is to surround him with other quality players—that way, Nasri will believe he has as good a shot to win a Premier League title in North London as anyplace else, and will be more likely to sign an extension.