Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Arsene Wenger Lining Up Pair of Serie a Stars

Newspaper rumours suggest that Arsene Wenger's summer retool of Arsenal could include Serie A midfielders Hernanes and Adam Ljajic.

Metro suggests that Wenger is keen on former Manchester United target Ljajic. The 20-year-old Serbian starlet has the skill and versatility Wenger covets in the midfield positions.

He has played in a central role and also excelled on the wings. Ljajic has the trickery, technique and guile to be a useful asset in Arsenal's fluid and hybrid formations.

However, Ljajic has found it difficult to establish regular first team credentials at Fiorentina. He would face plenty of competition at Arsenal from the likes of Ryo Miyaichi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey.

Lazio playmaker Hernanes continues to be strongly linked with a move to North London. This author reported Arsenal's potential interest in January, and those same rumours have now resurfaced.

The Daily Mirror recently suggested Arsenal are the first choice destination for Hernanes. The Brazilian is a classy midfielder, possessing keen creative instincts and the flair Arsenal have missed since the departure of Cesc Fabregas.

Hernanes utilises intelligent movement, neat touch and excellent control. The talented 26-year-old is able to contribute goals and assists from a variety of positions and is the kind of quick-thinking, cultured presence the Gunners need at the head of their midfield trio.

However, a projected fee of up to £18 million may be enough to price Arsenal out of a move for the player dubbed in some quarters as the "new Kaka." Shakhtar Donetsk schemer Jadson, a player Arsenal were heavily linked with this summer, would be a smart, cheaper alternative.

Yet this author still believes Arsenal should look closer to home and target Premier League talents. The core of the current squad is in place and is still good enough to retain the club's top four status.

Three quality signings are needed in key areas, and these players should require the minimum amount of transition time, so Arsenal can start fast next season and mount a title challenge.