Arsenal Transfer News and Rumors Tracker: Week of July 7

With the World Cup in its perfect current state of high drama and near conclusion, the transfer mill is really starting to pick up.

For the first time this summer, we are seeing quality stories from reputable journalists, rather than lamentable guff in the tabloids about vague interests and "swoops."

Here are some of the rumors you should be paying attention to this week. 

Mathieu Debuchy Nearly Done

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If multiple reports are to be believed, the man who eclipsed Bacary Sagna in France's starting XI is about to replace him at Arsenal.

That person is Mathieu Debuchy, who Louise Taylor of The Guardian reports is making final preparations for his £7.9 million move.

When figures get that precise and journalists and newspapers like that put their names to stories, you can be very sure that there is at least something real going on behind the scenes.

Debuchy would provide stability and proven effectiveness before Carl Jenkinson is ready to take up the mantle. 

Alexis Sanchez Getting Closer

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Reports of Chile and Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez coming to Arsenal were easy to dismiss as tabloid fodder until recently, when respected reporters began claiming that there is real interest on Arsenal's part.

According to the very well-regarded David Ornstein of BBC Sport, Arsenal are actively interested in and pursuing Sanchez, as Barcelona look to snatch Luis Suarez.

He is not as close as Debuchy, but the mere fact that discussions are progressing is encouraging.

Sanchez looks to be leaving Barcelona this summer, but Arsenal will have to fight off interest from Juventus, who will no doubt be very compelling. 

Sami Khedira in the Crosshairs

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Arsenal desperately need a defensive midfielder, and Mesut Ozil's best friend is coincidentally Sami Khedira.

Ozil left his compatriot behind when he left Real Madrid for Arsenal, but the Daily Mirror (h/t Marca) is reporting that their separation might only last a year, as Arsene Wenger is keen to bring him in for €20-30 million.

Khedira is certainly one of those rare players with the combination of technical nous and physical prowess to do the job of a traditional defensive midfielder while retaining the ability to hold and distribute the ball from deep.

There are not very many players in the world quite like that, so Wenger might just be compelled to make a move.

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