Arsenal Transfer News: Isco Wants Move, Latest on Iker Casillas, Ilkay Gundogan

Arsenal's attempts to provide a genuine title challenge next season may have been boosted by reports that suggest Real Madrid playmaker Isco is ready to quit the Bernabeu.

Jamie Sanderson of Metro indicates Madrid are "set to sell," noting that unspecific reports "in Spain say he is happy to transfer to a new team at the end of the season." A £32.9 million price tag is acknowledged despite a lack of reasoning for Isco's supposed willingness to depart.

The Spanish midfielder has been a vital component of Carlo Ancelotti's side this season, taking advantage of Gareth Bale's injury problems to cement his place in the starting lineup. He is a dynamic midfielder, someone who has added combativeness to his natural craft in Madrid's midfield three.

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Isco has made 40 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League this campaign, per WhoScored.com, so it's hardly like he's surplus to requirements in the Spanish capital.

While Isco is undoubtedly an excellent fit for the Gunners, Arsene Wenger may be better off hunting Ilkay Gundogan, who is confirmed to be leaving Borussia Dortmund by the time his contract concludes at the end of next season, as reported by the club and Bundesliga pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft:

Matt Law of The Telegraph believes Arsenal will "challenge" Manchester United for the £20 million-rated German's signature. Gundogan's progress has been interrupted by injuries in recent times, but he remains one of the sport's most highly coveted midfielders.

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Like Isco, his range of passing, dribbling skill and versatility makes him a smart fit for Wenger's side, who will be looking to strengthen across the board this summer.

It's widely suggested Wenger will try to lure goalkeeper Iker Casillas from Madrid, but as reported by Ben Hayward of Goal.com, the Spanish stopper isn't looking to end his tenure with the club. Hayward said Casillas provided the following answer when questioned over his future by a reporter from Spain's El Chiringuito show: "Where am I going to be better off than here?"

Tutto Mercato (h/t Inside Futbol) reported that Casillas spoke specifically about the Gunners: "Arsenal? Is it better than here? It's clear that I will continue here."

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Wenger suggested he is content with his goalkeeping options during Friday's press conference ahead of Monday's trip to face Hull, per Arsenal's official Twitter account:

B/R UK's James McNicholas recently considered what Arsenal's squad could be like once Wenger works through the summer:

At this point, Gundogan seems the most likely signing. Casillas' poor form has always threatened to push him away from Madrid, but it seems premature to suggest Isco will move on. The 23-year-old is just gaining momentum with the club and would be foolish to cut his time short if he's still wanted.

However, Arsenal's transfer business is going to be exciting to watch and could propel Wenger's men to finally launch a legitimate bid for the Premier League crown.