Arsenal Transfer News: Guillermo Ochoa Available, Latest Rumours

Guillermo Ochoa has declared himself open to a transfer, potentially offering himself as a solution to Arsenal's uncertain situation between the sticks. But the Malaga goalkeeper isn't the only transfer target currently emerging on the Gunners' radar.

Manager Arsene Wenger also remains committed to recruiting some of Europe's finest young talents. He is apparently set to beat Manchester United to the latest prodigy who has come to his attention.

But it's the news of Ochoa's apparent availability that should have the Arsenal boss most intrigued. The Mexico international has declared he is ready to leave La Liga this summer, according to Daily Express reporter Bruce Archer.

He's stated the 29-year-old has been left frustrated by limited first-team chances this season. Ochoa has made a mere four appearances this term, per WhoScored.com. Significantly, all have come in the Copa del Rey.

Yet although Carlos Kameni has kept him out of the team, Ochoa will still have value on the summer market. He impressed during the 2014 FIFA World Cup and is an experienced presence. That's something the Gunners need.

Wenger wouldn't have expected to have to look for another 'keeper this summer. After all, he signed David Ospina at the end of last season and entered the new campaign with Wojciech Szczesny still installed as the club's No. 1.

But the cocky and reckless Poland international just can't turn his obvious potential into consistently strong performances. Another slump has seen Szczesny ditched for Ospina.

The decision reportedly left the 24-year-old "furious," according to Daily Mirror writer John Cross. The same scribe had already reported Szczesny incurred a £20,000 fine for smoking after Arsenal's 2-0 defeat at Southampton.

But off-field shenanigans are just part of the problem with Szczesny. Wenger pinpointed the underlying fault of his game prior to Arsenal's 2-0 away win over Manchester City back in mid-January, per Daily Express reporter Jim Holden: "Just before Southampton he had a very good game at West Ham and was man of the match. I think he is a great goalkeeper and will have a great career. But he goes a little bit."

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

That's Szczesny in a nutshell. He's rarely displayed the focus to improve his game and stay consistent. It's a bad habit that's translated to wasted talent.

Now could be the perfect time to consider a replacement. Ochoa was denied a January move by Malaga sporting director Mario Armando Husillos, per ESPN.com.MX (h/t ESPN FC).

But with Ochoa still unhappy, it seems unlikely Malaga will be able to refuse him twice. Expect Arsenal to continue monitoring the situation.

One deal that could be solved before then is the proposed £1 million swoop for central defender Dayot Upamecano. That's according to Daily Mirror reporter John Cross, who states Wenger has outbid United for the 16-year-old Valenciennes prospect.

Wenger has apparently "received glowing reports" on the youthful defender. He now sees Upamecano as a good addition to Arsenal's defensive options at first-team and reserve levels.

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United were thought to have sealed a deal at the end of the winter window, according to Valenciennes' official site (h/t Metro reporter Jamie Sanderson). But since that didn't come to fruition, Wenger has capitalised with a better offer.

Reports of Wenger pursuing yet another young and unheralded talent are nothing new. Even at a time when the Gunners have greater spending power, the Frenchman has not lost his career-long habit for developing potential.

Arsenal signed 17-year-old Polish holding midfielder and auxiliary defender Krystian Bielik during the January transfer window. Wenger apparently hasn't stopped his search for the next hidden gem.