Arsenal Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of August 19

Arsenal transfer news continues as the summer window draws to a close, and new rumours have popped up regarding the London club.

The Gunners opened their Premier League season with a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa at the Emirates. The lack of quality in the Arsenal side, and the injuries sustained to various players, ensured that the call for new signings rang loudly around the stadium.

Only one signing has been made so far, with young French striker Yaya Sanogo joining the club, but fans will be hopeful that more players are signed before the window closes.

Here is the latest Arsenal transfer news, and rumours for this week.

Updated: Wednesday, August 21

*Unless otherwise stated, all statistics courtesy of ESPN FC and WhoScored.

Swansea City's Michu and Ashley Williams Not for Sale

Last Updated: Wednesday, August 21

Swansea City chairman, Huw Jenkins, has come out and said that Ashley Williams and Michu are not for sale, despite Arsenal's reported interest in bidding for the two stars.

The Welsh club is keen to build on their top half of the table finish last season, and compete in the Europa League as well. Michu and Williams will be key to that project. 

Both players would fill areas of need for Arsenal, with the club needing an efficient goal-scorer and a solid defender, but it's highly unlikely any deal will occur.

Arsenal Face Competition from Paris Saint-Germain to Sign Yohan Cabaye

Last Updated: Wednesday, August 21

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain to sign Yohan Cabaye.

The French midfielder didn't play a part in Newcastle's 4-0 loss to Manchester City on Monday, with Alan Pardew claiming the player was unsettled by Arsenal's interest.

Arsenal's midfield is a bit light with Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out for a decent portion early in the season. Cabaye has similar qualities to Arteta and would be a good option to replace the Spaniard both now, and in the long-term.

If PSG's interest is real, and they can tempt Newcastle, Arsenal will find it tough to sign Cabaye.

Arsenal Interested in Erik Lamela

Last Updated: Wednesday, August 21

Arsenal has been linked, via the Metro, with a move for Roma attacker, Erik Lamela, with Tottenham also thought to be interested.

The Argentinian youngster really impressed for Roma last season. He scored 15 goals and had five assists in 36 games for the Italian side during the 2012/13 campaign.

His versatility, pace and dribbling skills would an exciting element to Arsenal's attack, and signing him ahead of Tottenham would present some positive news in the transfer window for the Gunners.

Arsenal on Trail of Valencia Keeper Vicente Guaita

Last Updated: Tuesday, August 20

Reports in Spain are suggesting Arsenal are contemplating a move for Valencia keeper Vicente Guaita.

TalkSPORT, via Marca, is suggesting Guaita is a target of Arsenal and this has been confirmed by Bleacher Report writer Guillem Balague.

Balague has confirmed a delegation from Arsenal are due in Spain this week to discuss a transfer.

Guaita has been battling with Diego Alves for the starting spot at Valencia and was left out of the side for the game with Malaga on Saturday.

Olivier Giroud Says Arsenal Needs a New Striker

Arsenal's current first-choice striker, Olivier Giroud, has reportedly told reporters in France(h/t Goal.com) that the club needs to sign a new striker.

The French striker scored Arsenal's first goal of the campaign during the loss to Aston Villa, and fans will be hoping that's a sign of things to come.

The No. 12's admission that new blood is required at his position is strong evidence that even the players feel the squad lacks the necessary depth to challenge for trophies.

Arsenal Rumoured to Have Bid for Yohan Cabaye

Numerous sources—including Sky Sports, the Metro and the Daily Mail—have reported that Arsenal has submit a bid, that was then rejected, for Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye.

The move certainly makes sense, considering that Arsenal will be without Mikel Arteta for up to six weeks. Cabaye would represent a good addition to the Arsenal midfield, and a good replacement while Arteta is out.

The French international may not be the out-and-out defensive midfielder that Arsenal may need, or fans prefer, but he brings the necessary qualities—such as his ability to pick a pass and position himself well defensively—that are quite similar to those Arteta gives the Gunners.

It would still be better for Arsenal to get a more traditional defensive midfielder, but Cabaye would be a solid second option.

Arsenal Told Michu Cost

According to the Mirror's Matt Law, Arsenal will have to pay up £25 million to sign Michu from Swansea City.

The Spaniard was one of the bargain buys for the Welsh club last season, and he significantly raised his stock while helping the club to a ninth-placed finish and the Carling Cup trophy. Michu scored 22 goals in 43 appearances during his debut season with the club.

As reported by ESPN, Swansea boss Michael Laudrup has said in the past that it's unlikely even a ridiculous bid from Arsenal could result in them signing Michu.

Lars Bender Again Linked with Arsenal Move

Arsenal has again been linked, via the Mirror's Zarif Rasul and Bill Mills, with a move for German midfielder, Lars Bender.

Bender is a key man for Bayer Leverkusen in midfield, and as Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe asserted earlier this summer, he would be a fantastic addition to the Arsenal squad. Bender would add the solid defensive presence the Gunners need in midfield.

Leverkusen has already lost key players in André Schürrle and Michal Kadlec this summer, and it's likely that Arsenal would have to submit a massive bid to secure his signature.

Ashley Williams Flattered by Arsenal Interest

The Metro reports that Swansea defender, Ashley Williams, is flattered by Arsenal's rumoured interest in him.

The Welsh central defender has been linked, via the Guardian, with the club since March of this year, but there's been no official interest. Arsenal may just make its interest real given the squad's current injury-crisis in defense.

Williams proved to be a strong presence for Swansea last season, using his strength and ability in the air to marshal a defense that allowed 51 goals in the league, giving them the eighth best goals conceded tally.