Arsenal Transfer News: Jose Callejon Talks Planned, Fresh Faouzi Ghoulam Rumours

Arsenal are ready to launch a double raid on Napoli for the signatures of Jose Callejon and Faouzi Ghoulam, according to the European press.

Sport Mediaset (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro) reports "talks are set to begin over a deal" for Callejon, who would become the latest versatile attacking midfielder to join Arsene Wenger's squad.

The former Real Madrid star netted 11 goals in 38 Serie A appearances last season, recorded by WhoScored.com. He could work either side of playmaker Mesut Ozil, whom Wenger will push away from the left flank and into his preferred central role next season, according to John Cross of the Mirror.

Like Alexis Sanchez, Callejon often breaks into the box and doubles up as a striker when moves sweep forward. AS indicates Arsenal could face competition for his signature, though:

Sanderson's report suggests he would cost £17.9 million. This should be considered the top end of what Callejon is worth, especially as he'd need to work extremely hard to maintain a first-team role at the Emirates Stadium.

At 28 years old he'd be an experienced, proven alternative to Lukas Podolski, who left for Galatasaray earlier this window.

Le10Sport (h/t Metro) suggests Wenger will also look to bolster his defence with the addition of Ghoulam, a player who would provide competition for the left-back spot. Marca (h/t Metro) indicates he could act as a replacement for Nacho Monreal, who may join Athletic Bilbao this summer.

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Monreal proved to be a reliable Premier League player last season. He knocked Kieran Gibbs out of the team and added quality from the flank for the Gunners.

Although he isn't particularly physical, Monreal is useful on the ball and can cause problems by sprinting beyond his marker when Arsenal move forward as a unit.

Wenger would be brave to rid his squad of such players—those who have adapted to the English game and now have plenty to offer—for an untried and untested replacement.

If Arsenal are to put up a legitimate title challenge, this summer's transfer business must be about adding world-class squad depth in order to battle across four competitions.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently discussed who else could arrive:

Ghoulam is a hard-working, battle-ready defender who could easily put together a run in the Gunners first team with a confident start. Yet Wenger should be looking to limit the turnover of players to those who are essential.

Eliminating quality rotational stars such as Monreal would only slow Arsenal's progress unless a Petr Cech-style leader is brought in to strengthen a position from the start of the season.

He doesn't need to prove himself and is generally accepted as the north London club's best goalkeeper before he's saved a ball for Arsenal.

Wenger needs more players like Cech if silverware is to continue landing on the Gunners' doorstep, especially as Arsenal's Premier League rivals have spent well already.