Arsenal Transfer News: Why Gunners Must Act Fast to Land Marouane Fellaini

Despite whispers of imminent moves for the likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Marouane Fellaini, Arsenal are yet to land any major signings so far this transfer window.

If the Gunners are genuinely keen on making Everton’s Belgian midfielder part of their plans for next season, they will need to move swiftly, according to The Mirror.

Many media outlets report that Fellaini has a release clause in his contract. The Mirror's Matt Law estimates that fee to be £23.5 million and claims it's set to expire on August 14, leaving Arsene Wenger in danger of missing out on him altogether.

In the event of the clause expiring, Law predicts Everton would quickly raise the price of their prized asset to £30 million, which would surely reduce the chances and merits of an Arsenal move.

If the Gunners were hoping for Fellaini to rock the boat and possibly help force through a move, it seems they will disappointed, as The Mirror also quote a source close to the Belgian as saying:

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Marouane respects the terms of the agreement he signed with Everton and has good moral standards. It is up to the club how they act.

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While Fellaini was predominantly deployed as an attacking midfielder during this past season with the Toffees, his preferred role is in a more defensive berth, which is where he's more likely to feature for Arsenal.

He is at his best scurrying after attacking midfielders and making a general nuisance of himself in the middle. He's strong in the tackle, underrated with the ball at his feet and, on form, can be an elite ball winner at the highest level.

The Gunners could certainly do with a more physical presence in the heart of midfield to combine with the more subtle techniques of Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta, although his versatility would also be useful in attack.

Wenger has attracted criticism in the past for an apparent reluctance to bring in major signings, but with this season’s Premier League appearing such an open contest, surely now is the time to act.

Equipped with a new midfield enforcer and a top-class striker, the Gunners would be a genuine contender for next season's title and, at the very least, would surely end their eight year wait for a major trophy.