Arsenal Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of November 17

Until now, the rumours surrounding Arsenal's transfer window have focused on who they might bring in, but the tide is now beginning to turn.

As the window creeps ever closer, stories are starting to focus on who might leave the club.

The recent international break saw a number of players take the opportunity to voice their displeasure over their playing situation. Come January, Arsene Wenger might have to fend off bids for current squad members as well as search for new ones.

Check back on this slideshow over the coming week for the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Arsenal.

-Last updated: Friday, November 21- 

Arsene Wenger Admits He Tried to Sign Lionel Messi

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Friday, November 21

Arsene Wenger has opened up on Arsenal's attempts to lure a teenage Lionel Messi to London. Speaking to Arsenal.com, he said:

"

I think, in the end, he was not so keen to move, because it was at a period where Fabregas came and Fabregas and Messi played together in the same team. We wanted to take Fabregas, Messi and Pique. It worked only for Fabregas. It was not completely down to [buying Messi] a flat in the end. It was down to the fact that in the end Messi was comfortable at Barcelona.

"

Arsenal fans will be left to rue the fact that Messi chose to stay at the Nou Camp.

Arsenal Suffer Sami Khedira Blow

Michael Probst/Associated Press

Thursday, November 20

Arsenal's rumoured pursuit of Sami Khedira may have hit a wall. According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser (h/t The Metro), the German international has already agreed to join Bayern Munich next summer.

That would be a significant blow to Arsenal, who need a powerful player of Khedira's ilk to boost their vulnerable midfield.

Arsenal Set to Move for Marcelo Brozovic?

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Thursday, November 17

It's been a quiet week for Arsenal transfers, but it could be about to spark in life with news coming via John Cross of The Mirror that the Gunners are lining up a move for Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.

The 21-year-old is already a full international, and is valued at around £5 million. Brozovic has been with Dinamo Zagreb since 2012 after a switch from fellow Croat side NK Lokomotiva. He typically plays as an attacking midfielder.

Arsene Wenger Says Lukas Podolski Does Not Have a Set Price

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Monday, November 17

Lukas Podolski may be understandably unhappy with his lack of playing time at Arsenal, but Arsene Wenger says he is not for sale.

Speaking to beIN Sports (h/t the Press Association via The Guardian), Wenger said:

"

It is not established at all that he will leave at Christmas. It is me who sets the price and [the reported deal] doesn’t correspond at all to his price. He is not for sale and there is no offer.

"

However, unless Podolski's situation drastically improves, it is difficult to see him remaining with the club until the summer. 

Joel Campbell Insists He's Happy at Arsenal

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Monday, November 17

Unlike Lukas Podolski, Joel Campbell has moved to play down speculation suggesting that he will be leaving Arsenal in January.

Speaking to his own personal website (h/t the Press Association via The Guardian), Campbell denied claims he is unhappy:

"

What they have been saying is not true. I’m very calm. I have not been furious. Obviously I would like to be playing but that’s something that has to be earned day by day. I have to keep training and waiting for the opportunity. I know it’s a very competitive team.

Arsenal is one of the best teams in the world where there are many important players. I have to be patient, keep training and I know my chance will arrive and I’ll have to take advantage of it when it comes.

"

Campbell's attitude is admirable. However, it may not be his decision whether or not he remains with Arsenal.

If Arsene Wenger deems him surplus to requirements, he may find himself sold regardless of his wishes.