Arsenal: Rumoured Transfer Targets vs. Who They'll Actually Sign

The "silly season" is upon us.

Arsenal are currently being linked with a host of names, only a few of which can realistically be expected to arrive at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Over the next five slides we look at the names most commonly linked with a switch to Arsenal this summer and predict whether or not they'll actually sign.

Go to the next slide to begin with the most controversial rumoured target of all: Wayne Rooney.

Wayne Rooney

According to Simon Mullock of the Mirror, Arsenal have submitted a £20 million bid for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

The forward's public spat with Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of the 2012/13 season seemed to suggest his United career was approaching a close; however, new manager David Moyes will want to sit down with Rooney before contemplating Arsenal's alleged offer.

Signing Rooney would involve a certain degree of risk. His recent performances have suggested that he may be a player in terminal physical decline. However, he would add undoubted star quality to the Arsenal squad.

Will he actually sign?

No.

Rooney has played this game before. In October 2010 he submitted a transfer request only to turn around and sign a new contract days later. Rooney is still most likely to remain with Manchester United.

What's more, it seems Arsene Wenger already has his eyes on another attacking target. Go to the next slide to discover more.

Gonzalo Higuain

The story of Arsenal's interest in Gonzalo Higuain is the saga that has defined Arsenal's summer thus far.

The latest from Spanish newspaper Marca is that the player is "optimistic" of completing a move sooner rather than later.

Should he sign, Higuain would represent an immediate upgrade on Olivier Giroud and give Arsenal the lethal edge they lacked in 2012/13.

Will he actually sign?

I believe that Higuain will be an Arsenal player.

His close control and finishing prowess are a perfect match for the Gunners' intricate approach play.

If Higuain signs he will be the marquee player Arsenal fans have craved for a decade.

Julio Cesar

Arsene Wenger has reportedly identified Brazilian shot-stopper Julio Cesar as experienced competition for the Polish pair of Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski.

According to Dominic Fifield of The Guardian, Arsenal are vying with Italian sides Roma and Fiorentina to secure Julio Cesar's signature.

Will he actually sign?

Julio Cesar seems like a realistic Arsenal signing.

He ought to be a bargain, as relegated QPR will be willing to allow him to leave for a relatively low fee in order to get him off the wage bill.

With Sky Sports' Pete O'Rourke suggesting that Vito Mannone is on the verge of joining Sunderland, Arsenal need a third goalkeeper. Julio Cesar would be an outstanding option.

Clement Grenier

James Dickenson of the Express suggests that Arsenal have an ongoing interest in French playmaker Clement Grenier.

The Lyon midfielder was one of the stars of Ligue 1 in 2012/13 and would add strength in depth to the Arsenal midfield.

With Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere both prone to injury, Grenier could be an invaluable option in the crucial No. 10 role.

Will he actually sign?

I predict that Grenier will move to Arsenal this summer.

The Frenchman's contract expires next year. That should enable the Gunners to add him to the squad at a reasonable price. Grenier will appeal to Arsene Wenger's renowned love of a bargain.

Marouane Fellaini

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail claims that Arsenal want to add Everton powerhouse Marouane Fellaini to their ranks.

The big Belgian would give Arsenal's XI the muscle it has lacked since the departure of Patrick Vieira in 2005.

Will he actually sign?

£22 million seems too much for Arsenal to spend on a player they don't obviously need.

The Gunners could do with a powerful defensive midfielder, but Fellaini played most of his football in 2012/13 as a make-shift centre-forward. Arsenal need a specialist not a utility player.