Arsenal Transfer News: Arturo Vidal Agent Addresses Rumours, Eduardo Vargas Eyed

The agent of Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has delivered words most Arsenal fans won't want to hear but would expect: "There have been no conversation regarding Arturo with Arsenal."

This quote is reported by David Amoyal, writer on behalf of Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio. Per the Guardian's Jamie Jackson, Vidal was continually linked to Manchester United last summer, but this year, it's the turn of Arsene Wenger and his improving Gunners side.

Vidal would be an excellent signing for the north London outfit. He is a defensively-minded midfielder who isn't limited to the role of sitting on the halfway line and shielding the defence. Juventus have benefited not only from Vidal's grittiness and ability to win the ball back, but from his penchant for scoring vital goals.

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The Chilean often walks a disciplinary tightrope and could count himself lucky to not have been sent off in the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona. He recently received a four-month driving ban after being arrested for "crashing his Ferrari while drunk," reported AFP (h/t Yahoo). He is now facing a charge of threatening a policeman after the accident.

Wenger's search for a powerful defensive midfielder may heighten now Arsenal have officially confirmed the release of French midfielder Abou Diaby, per the club's website. Francis Coquelin has emerged as the side's most important patroller of the halfway line, pushing himself ahead of Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini in the pecking order. None of these three offer height or imposing physicality, though.

Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph provided an update on Wenger's intentions now Coquelin and Santi Cazorla have formed an effective partnership:

Will Giles of Metro cited Italian reports when suggesting Eduardo Vargas, Vidal's international team-mate, is a "surprise target" for Arsenal. Giles noted Alexis Sanchez is trying to "convince Wenger to sanction a move" for his countryman who spent the 2014-15 season on loan at Queens Park Rangers from Serie A side Napoli.

Vargas is a speedy, instinctive striker who can play as the furthest man forward or slightly deeper. He scored just three Premier League goals in 21 appearances last term but recently sent Chile through to the Copa America final with a brace against Peru. Vargas' stunning second can be seen below, as tweeted by 101 Great Goals:

B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently discussed which Arsenal rumours should be believed:

Reports of Vidal and Vargas potentially joining Arsenal can be seen as opportunistic. Right now there's nothing to suggest this is anything other than typical transfer window tittle-tattle, especially when you consider Vidal's link to United last year.

Wenger needs a specialist defensive midfielder and a 20-goal per season striker to ensure his side produce a genuine title challenge. While Vidal can satisfy the first need, Vargas isn't capable of achieving the second.