Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Ilkay Gundogan and William Carvalho Rumours

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is "set to snub" the opportunity to join Arsenal, according to German publication Der Westen (h/t Vaishali Bhardwaj of the Metro). Instead, the report indicates Gundogan is ready "to sign for Manchester United."

The creative midfielder is expected to be in high demand now Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season. BVB have lost key players Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski over the last two years, but if there's ever to be a mass exodus of stars, it's likely to take place during the summer.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Sport Witness suggests Der Westen's report is yet to be picked up in Germany:

Bhardwaj's article says Arsenal "held concrete talks" with Gundogan, who has recently put together a string of first-team appearances after suffering prolonged injury problems. He is built in the Arsenal mould—crafty in possession and able to contribute across the pitch—but is lacking the physical size needed to help plug the Gunners' most prominent gaps in midfield.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Francis Coquelin has impressed in recent times for Arsene Wenger's side, but additional power is needed to shield Arsenal's defence. If Coquelin picks up an injury—which is almost an inevitability at the Emirates Stadium—Wenger needs another specialist.

As such, news of Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho once again being linked to the club makes sense. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (h/t Jamie Sanderson of the Metro) indicates Arsenal have received the "green light" to sign the destructive midfielder.

Sanderson details the original report, saying Sporting are prepared to drop their original £30 million valuation to £21.5 million. He says Arsenal are "in the driving seat to do business."

Armando Franca/Associated Press

In January, Carvalho admitted he wants to play in the Premier League, per Record (h/t Dave Wood of the Daily Mail):

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My dream is to play in England. I know some clubs are interested but my agent Jorge (Mendes is looking after it and I am relaxed. Now my mission is to work in Sporting and they will be in charge of any transfer and my future. That is very important.

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Wenger remains a few players short of challenging for the Premier League title. B/R UK's James McNicholas recently discussed how this can be overcome:

Chelsea's lead has been established via remarkable consistency and squad depth across the entire season. Arsenal are only ever one major injury away from having a problem, highlighted with the absences of Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny this season.

Carvalho would be a quality buy, particularly at a knockdown price, and could slot right into the Gunners' plans for next year.