Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Latest on Luis Suarez Saga, Luka Modric and More

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. For the last eight seasons, that's been the story for Arsenal.

Some unbelievable talent, some truly dangerous squads and always a Top Four finish in the league, but nothing to show for it in the trophy case. No EPL titles, no FA Cup titles, no League Cup titles, no FA Community Shield titles, no anything.

Year after year, it starts to look like the Gunners will make that big splash in the transfer window that will take them from really good to the very top of the table, but savvy businessman Arsene Wenger puts a pin in that. 

Instead of overspending for massive stars, he opts to stay in the black, buying discounted players and building young talent from within. 

There's nothing wrong with doing things this way, of course. It's an ideal business plan, and Wenger has the track record to back it up.

Of course, it's also a way to create plenty of Gooner frustration.

With no major moves in the books yet this summer, let's take a look at the latest rumors. 

Luis Suarez Saga Drags On

In case you hadn't heard, Luis Suarez is on Arsenal's radar this summer. 

Although the man may be a little (OK, a lot) crazy on the pitch, there's no denying his talent. He found the back of the net 23 times in 33 EPL appearances last season and remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the world.

For an Arsenal squad that lacked a consistent finisher in the final third, targeting Suarez makes sense on plenty of levels. 

Unfortunately, his price just went up (again). ESPN has the report:

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Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will not be sold for less than £50 million after the Uruguayan accepted he does not have a £40 million release clause in his contract.

Suarez had been tipped to challenge Liverpool's stance with the Premier League but the forward, who was his club's top scorer last season, has sought no action.

That leaves Arsenal needing to stump up Liverpool's asking price of £50 million if they are to prise Suarez away from Anfield.

"

Eesh. 

Suarez is a tantalizing striker, but £50 million is steeper than a straight line. If someone wrestles the Uruguay international away from Liverpool for that price, it will be surprising. 

Arsenal Joining the Race for Luka Modric?

Real Madrid scored one of the biggest signings of the summer last August when they brought in Luka Modric for over £30 million, but the Croatian is already right back in the thick of transfer rumours. 

With Los Blancos thought to be after Tottenham's Gareth Bale, as reported by Sky Sports, the amount of first-time opportunities for Modric could very well be dwindling. This has several EPL squads looking to bring the former Tottenham star back to England in what would be a merry-go-round move of sorts. 

According to the Daily Star's Gary Jones, Arsenal is one of those aforementioned interested clubs:

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Arsenal look set to join the race for Real Madrid's unsettled star Luka Modric.

Sources in Spain suggest the 27-year-old has become a transfer target for Arsene Wenger, who has failed to land a big summer signing thus far.

Modric is said to be feeling unsettled at the La Liga giants, having been reduced to a bit part role under the reign of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

"

Arsenal doesn't exactly have a dearth of talent in its midfield, but Modric is intriguing. 

The 27-year-old had just three goals and three assists in La Liga play last season, but he is a playmaker with the vision, ball control and passing capable of making life easy for his teammates. According to WhoScored, he was second on Real Madrid behind just Michael Essien in successful pass percentage (87.7) last season. 

Moreover, his versatility and ability to move further back in the midfield makes him even more enticing. 

Interest in Olivier Giroud?

According to the Daily Star's Gary Jones, Spanish side Valencia made a loan offer for Olivier Giroud but was turned down by the Gunners. 

The 26-year-old, who was acquired by Arsenal last summer, scored 11 goals in 34 appearances (24 starts) for Wenger's side in 2012-13, showing some talent but also some inconsistency. 

For example, he scored four goals in a three-match span against Schalke (in the Champions League), Fullham and Tottenham in November, but followed that up with just two goals (in the same match against Newcastle) in his next 12 appearances. 

Again, he scored five goals in a three-match span against West Ham, Brighton and Liverpool in late January, but sandwiched that form with 11 goal-less appearances.

Still, while that inconsistency can be frustrating, the Frenchman is a solid finisher and an unbelievable threat in the air, and Wenger's unwillingness to send him on a loan suggests he is undoubtedly a part of Arsenal's 2013-14 plans.