Marco Reus to Arsenal Transfer Rumours Grow, Gunners Named 'Major Players'

Arsenal have been named "major players" in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus. That's according to a report from German publication Bild (h/t The Daily Telegraph).

The Gunners are apparently being treated as front-runners after Bayern Munich supposedly withdrew their interest. The report also claims that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is a noted "big fan" of Reus and will capitalise on Dortmund's poor season to land a long-term target.

Dortmund are currently second from bottom in Germany's top flight, per the Bundesliga's official website. Although Reus and company have half a season to turn things around, gaining entry to next season's UEFA Champions League looks unlikely.

That would probably prompt the club into selling a prized asset such as Reus. The cheetah-fast 25-year-old would certainly garner plenty of interest on the open market.

There's also no doubt Reus possesses qualities that belong in Wenger's preferred style of play. He's got pace to burn, an eye for goal, natural flair and a knack for creativity.

Reus is one of those players who is difficult to define—or mark for that matter; he's an attacker who lives between the opposition's midfield and defensive lines. He's exactly the sort of flexible, roving forward Wenger has often made the cornerstone of his best Arsenal teams.

The real question is, does the current Gunners squad even need Reus? Certainly, if you're talking roving attackers, it's hard to look past Alexis Sanchez.

The former Barcelona star has taken the Premier League by storm during his first season with the Gunners. The prolific Chile international has already found the net 18 times in all competitions this season, per Arsenal.com.

Sanchez is the player Arsenal's approach play has been geared toward this season. But the 26-year-old fleet-footed powerhouse isn't the only forward Wenger can count on.

Theo Walcott is now getting back to match fitness. He still has the pace and finishing quality to trouble any defence. Wenger is also trying to turn goal-shy striker Danny Welbeck into something more than one of the hardest-working players in the Premier League.

Add in another speedster, winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, along with target man Olivier Giroud, and the Gunners are far from lacking in options up front.

But even if they were, would Reus be a wise investment? Sure, he's talented, but he's also injury prone.

B/R analyst Sam Tighe has pointed out Reus is frail and even indicated that injury problems could motivate a Dortmund sale:

Those should be treated as serious concerns for any club bidding for a player likely to cost a king's ransom to acquire. Norwegian journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft has indicated that Reus will decide his future soon but also suggested Premier League clubs will likely have to pay big to get him:

Considering Arsenal play in the rugged environment of England's top flight, Wenger should be wary about breaking the bank for this gifted Germany international.

Nobody can dispute Reus is a terrific talent. But it's hard to argue he rates as a pressing need for the current Arsenal squad.

Wenger's group is overflowing with attacking options. Securing another centre-back and recruiting a dynamic physical presence in central midfield should be the Frenchman's priorities this summer.