Arsenal Summer Transfer Rumours: 11 Hottest Names Linked to Gunners so Far

Barring a miracle, Arsenal are set for another trophy-less season.

Consistently losing isn't right for a club that once went unbeaten in 49 Premier League games. 

The large majority of Arsenal supporters are hoping for some big signings this summer. 

This article will access the likelihood of the some of the hottest names linked to the Gunners thus far. 

Riccardo Montolivo

According to talkSPORT, elegant Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo wants a move to the Premier League, and perhaps to Arsenal. 

Well, that's BS, because Montolivo will be a free agent at the end of the season and will end up at AC Milan. 

Signing Montolivo on a Bosman will be consistent with Milan's economically efficient policy. 

Stéphane Sessègnon

According to Steve Morgan at the Daily Star, Sunderland's Stéphane Sessègnon has become a primary summer target. 

Sessègnon's creativity and incisive dribbling has been on show for the Black Cats. 

Aaron Ramsey isn't doing enough as an attacking midfielder, so Sessègnon would be an upgrade. 

Marko Marin

According to Footylatest.com, Arsenal are planning to sign Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Marko Marin. 

If you think Aaron Ramsey has had a disappointing season, think again, because Marin has underperformed for the majority of the season. 

Prior to last week, Marin hadn't scored since March 2011 and has been too inconsistent. 

Kicker doesn't even rate Marin as one of the top 65 Bundesliga players this season. 

Olivier Giroud

According to Jamie Sanderson at The Metro, Arsenal are eyeing Montpellier forward Olivier Giroud. 

Giroud has scored 20 goals and provided seven assists in 28 games this season. He's broad shouldered, and he jumps because he's won an absurd 72 percent of aerial duels. 

If Arsenal are to sign him, then Arsène Wenger needs to change formation and play two forwards, with Robin van Persie playing a more creative role behind Giroud. 

Daniel Sturridge

According to Charlie Wyett at The Sun, Arsenal will swap Theo Walcott for Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge. 

This transfer has no chance of happening because Sturridge is Chelsea's future.

With Didier Drogba likely to leave Stamford Bridge and Fernando Torres continuing to disappoint, Sturridge will take up the mantle as Chelsea's centre forward sooner rather than later. 

That being said, Walcott leaving Arsenal is a possibility simply because Arsène Wenger has not lived up to his word in giving the speedster a chance to play up front. 

Emmanuel Mayuka

According to the Zambia Daily Mail, BSC Young Boys forward Emmanuel Mayuka could be signed by Arsenal. 

Mayuka was a vital member of Zambia's Africa Cup of Nations win, but Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a better forward. 

Better as a finisher, better as a creator, better as a dribbler and better as a passer. 

If there's any Zambian player Arsène Wenger should sign, it's 22-year-old centre-back Stophira Sunzu. 

Jan Vertonghen

According to the Daily Mail, Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen will be accessed by various Premier League scouts, including Arsenal. 

Given his reputation as one of Europe's best young defenders, scouts already are familiar with him, and he lived up to the hype during the UEFA Europa League first leg against Manchester United. 

Vertonghen was strong, intercepted the ball and distributed well. 

Javi Garcia

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal may opt to sign Benfica defensive midfielder Javi Garcia. 

Garcia is a decent defensive midfielder, but Arsenal already have Alex Song and Mikel Arteta. Don't forget about Jack Wilshere. 

Given how impotent Aaron Ramsey has been as an attacking midfielder, he could also be moved into a deeper role next season. Francis Coquelin is another option. 

Junior Hoilett

According to John Cross at Mirror Football, Blackburn Rovers winger Junior Hoilett will be signed by Arsenal on a free transfer. 

Rovers have gambled by thinking they can convince one of the best dribblers in the league to stay with their club, even though Hoilett is good enough to play for Arsenal. 

Considering he'll be signed for free, there is next-to-no risk in signing the Canadian. 

Lukas Podolski

According to the Daily Mail, Köln forward Lukas Podolski looks set to leave the club, and Arsenal could take advantage of the situation. 

Podolski ruled out a January exit because he did not want to endanger his position in the German national team. 

Mario Götze

According to talkSPORT, Borussia Dortmund wunderkind Mario Götze will be subject to a £35 million bid from Arsenal.

Maybe five years ago, Dortmund would have accept the bid, but they have possibly the best young squad in the world, with hree world-class players in Götze, Mats Hummels and Shinji Kagawa (make that four when Marco Reus joins). 

Dortmund also has four first-rate players in Robert Lewandowski, Kevin Großkreutz and Sven Bender. A potential wunderkind in Moritz Leitner has also emerged. 

All these players are 23 years or younger. 

Götze will not leave Dortmund in the foreseeable future because he loves Die Borussen. 

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