Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Edin Dzeko and Nacho Monreal Rumours

Arsenal remain in the hunt for a new striker and could be targeting Manchester City's Edin Dzeko, according to the latest rumours.

According to Tony Stenson of the Daily Star, the Gunners are considering Dzeko as a possible solution to their need for more firepower up front.

The link comes in the wake of Olivier Giroud admitting he would be happy if Arsene Wenger brought another forward to the Emirates.

Per Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph, he said: "The most important thing for me is that the team is always improving. I give my best every game. If there is another striker it will be nice for all the team because competition is good for everyone."

Bleacher Report's Manchester City correspondent Rob Pollard recently argued that while Dzeko's goals had played an important role in City's success, he "is far from a complete striker. He goes through periods of relative ineffectiveness and has often been accused of displaying laziness. If he isn’t in the mood, he can often appear anonymous, a hindrance, in fact, to City’s incisive attacking style."

Due to the arrival of Wilfried Bony, Dzeko's playing time was fairly limited last season, and the striker managed just six goals in all competitions.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

However, as WhoScored.com illustrated, the 29-year-old is a proven Premier League goalscorer who has hit the net regularly in recent years:

Even so, Dzeko isn't the answer to Arsenal's needs.

The Gunners already boast a tall, powerful centre-forward in Giroud, who can also effectively aid their intricate build-up play. 

Arsenal would benefit most from signing a younger striker who could provide a greater contrast to Giroud's strengths and offer more varied attacking options.

Dzeko will likely leave the Etihad this summer in search of first-team football, but unless Arsenal fail to land any of their higher-profile targets, he won't be arriving in north London.

Nacho Monreal to Stay with the Gunners

According to Sean Kearns of Metro, Nacho Monreal has played down talk of a transfer to Athletic Bilbao, insisting he is content at the Emirates.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

He said: "I'm very happy at Arsenal. Of course I enjoyed playing in a lot of the games last season and that is the target again—that’s all I can say right now."

The Spaniard enjoyed his best season in an Arsenal shirt last season, so the news will come as a relief to Gunners supporters.

According to WhoScored's Martin Laurence, writing for the Guardian, Monreal made WhoScored's statistical Team of the Season last year, shining for Arsenal at left-back.

As Squawka's Daniel Anwar reported, Monreal improved on virtually every facet of his defensive game from the previous season, "winning more tackles, aerial duels and interceptions" without making any errors at the back.

A lack of defensive solidity compared to their title rivals has often cost Arsenal dearly in recent years, so Monreal's emergence as one of the best left-backs in the league is excellent news.

The 29-year-old inspires more confidence at full-back than in the centre, where he was forced to provide cover last season. If Arsenal can recruit another centre-back, Monreal will be free to ply his trade where he is most effective.

Further recruitment is certainly still needed ahead of a genuine title challenge next year, but the addition of Petr Cech and the commitment of Monreal give great cause for optimism that Arsenal can enjoy another successful season.