Arsenal Transfer News: Neven Subotic Deal Readied, Latest Paulo Dybala Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly ready to move for Borussia Dortmund centre-back Neven Subotic in the summer, adding even more defensive depth to prepare for the 2015-16 season.

According to ESPN FC's Peter O'Rourke, sources say Arsene Wenger sees the Serbian as the perfect replacement for Per Mertesacker, and the French manager wants more additions besides winter arrival Gabriel Paulista:

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Arsenal are eyeing a summer move for Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic as they look to bolster their defensive options, sources have told ESPN.

Arsene Wenger is keen to bring in a new central defender at the Emirates due to doubts over the long-term future of Per Mertesacker following several indifferent displays from the German.

Despite signing Gabriel from Villarreal in January, Wenger is still looking at potential recruits and Subotic, 26, is thought to figure highly on his wanted list.

The Serbia international has earned a reputation as one of the best defenders in Europe after playing a key role in the Dortmund side that won back-to-back Bundesliga titles and reached the Champions League final in 2013, and has previously attracted the interest of Chelsea and Manchester United.

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The 26-year-old made a name for himself partnering Mats Hummels in the Borussia defence, and while his German colleague often steals the spotlight, Subotic is a fine defender in his own right.

The Serb has struggled with injuries so far this season, and per SuperSport Blitz, he still doesn't deem himself fit enough to play for Serbia's national team:

Subotic has one more year left on his current contract, and while he nor Dortmund have given any indication they wouldn't be open to renegotiating his deal, the defender may be ready to attempt a foreign adventure after years in the Bundesliga.

Like Die Schwarzgelben, his play has been inconsistent the past several months, although he is starting to round into form of late. Via Dortmund blogger Sandra Goldschmidt, his performance against Hamburg was nearly flawless:

Subotic has the body and raw strength to be successful in the Premier League's aerial battles, and he has proven to be a calm player on the ball in Germany. He's still a young player with plenty of football left in him, and if he can stay healthy, he would be a fine addition to any team.

Whether Dortmund would have any interest in a sale is a different matter. Hummels and Subotic form the backbone of the squad, and unless a player openly asks for a transfer, you simply don't move some of your top contributors at such an important position.

The idea Subotic would be available at a reduced fee because he has one year left on his deal makes sense, but with so little transfer buzz surrounding his name until now, it wouldn't be a shock to see him sign a new contract before the end of the season.

Subotic would be an excellent addition for the Gunners, but as of right now, a summer move seems unlikely.

According to the Daily Star's Jonathan Green, a move for another highly touted player is far more likely, as the Gunners are reportedly willing to pay Palermo's full asking price of £29.5 million for Argentinian starlet Paulo Dybala:

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The 21-year-old striker has been attracting the attentions of Europe's top clubs with a series of stunning performances in Serie A.

The Argentine has scored 12 goals in 25 appearances and has been monitored by Chelsea, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

But the Gunners are reportedly prepared to go all out to secure Dybala's signature and are ready to pay his £29.5m asking price tag.

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The 21-year-old quickly emerged as a future superstar with a series of fantastic performances in Italy, and his raw talent and eye for goal is already drawing comparisons to some of his more famous compatriots.

Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini isn't one to shy away from making big statements, and via Football Italia, he was at it again recently:

Dybala's value has never been as high as it is right now, and Palermo are expected to cash in during the summer and reinvest the funds in their fantastic South American scouting department.

Even though the Gunners don't have a real need for another forward, Dybala's obvious potential and knack for scoring goals means just about every team should jump at the chance of signing him. There's only one problem—as shared by Eurosport.com, he really wants to play for Barcelona:

The Catalans are currently banned from signing any new players, giving other teams a small window to jump in and steal Dybala from under their nose, but if the youngster is that eager to play for the Blaugrana, it's unlikely he'll move anywhere else.

Barcelona can sign players—they just can't register them. Some kind of pre-deal that doesn't come into effect until 2016 would be a perfect solution for the Catalans and likely end the Gunners' hope of bringing in Dybala.

That said, Arsenal have plenty of other needs that need to be filled, so blowing a ton of money on a young striker with only half a season's worth of solid production might not be the safest course of action.

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