Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Arturo Vidal, Zlatan Ibrahimovic Rumours

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has admitted that he hopes to return to the Champions League final with the Italian side, quashing Arsenal's hopes of luring him from Turin this summer.

The Gunners were linked with a move for the Chilean by Jamie Sanderson of Metro, who cited reports in Italy when suggesting Fernando Felicevich, Vidal's agent, "held transfer talks" with the club after watching the side's FA Cup final win.

Vidal doesn't appear intent on leaving, however, as reported by Football Italia: "Juve proved ourselves a great team," the 28-year-old said after Saturday's 3-1 loss to Barcelona. "Next year I want to play another Champions League final with this jersey. I have a contract with Juventus and hope to see it through. I am a little sad with the result, but happy with what we did, as we really fought for every ball."

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The combative midfielder's current deal expires in June 2017, per Transfermarkt. His comments suggest he is looking to see out the next two seasons in Italy and consequently miss an opportunity to move at his peak. Vidal will be the wrong side of 30 once his contract ends, and if his recent injury troubles persist, as detailed by the Daily Mail, his valuation will drop significantly.

Sanderson suggests the player would be allowed to leave for £28.5 million. Juve chief Giuseppe Marotta has made it clear he doesn't want Paul Pogba to depart, per Telefoot (h/t ESPN), so Vidal could find himself on the chopping block in order for Juve to secure vital funds.

Sport Witness suggests this may be the case:

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will know Vidal is an excellent player, someone whose valuation will drop quickly. He could fill the defensive-midfield role well at the Emirates Stadium, but his signing would seriously hamper Francis Coquelin's development at the club.

It's easy to forget Coquelin recently turned 24 and isn't as young as many believe him to be, so signing a player of Vidal's style would suggest the Frenchman isn't trusted to maintain this season's form. Coquelin was fantastic during the latter half of the 2014-15 season, which was capped off with a terrific performance in the FA Cup final win over Aston Villa.

Arsenal to Secure Zlatan Coup?

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It's well known that Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic once turned down the opportunity to join Arsenal because Wenger wanted him to complete a trial first, reported by the Sun (h/t the Daily Mail).

However, the Daily Star (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro) notes that Wenger may be looking to snap him up for £10.9 million. Ibrahimovic remains a classy goalscorer at the age of 33, having netted 19 goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances during the 2014-15 season, per WhoScored.com.

Bellshaw states both Liverpool and AC Milan, one of Zlatan's former clubs, are also interested in luring him away from the Parc des Princes. B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently looked at under-the-radar alternatives to Arsenal's potential signings:

Wenger may be tempted to secure a powerful target man who can do things a little differently, especially if Theo Walcott is destined to start next season up front. A little-and-large pairing, which combines technical quality with all-out pace, could be useful for Arsenal.

The north London club enjoyed a quality end to the recently finished season, but they need to start strongly next year. Landing the right players will lay the marker down.

Signing one of Vidal or Ibrahimovic would underline Wenger's ambition rather succinctly and strengthen Arsenal as the club try to finally mount a genuine title challenge.