Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Edin Dzeko and Mathieu Flamini Rumours

Arsenal are apparently looking to bring in Edin Dzeko from Manchester City as they aim to bolster their attacking unit ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

According to Fichajes.net (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson), the Gunners have "opened talks" with the Sky Blues over potentially signing the Bosnian striker ahead of launching a £13.9 million bid.

Dzeko could well be persuaded away from the Etihad this summer, as he struggled for game time last term—starting only 11 Premier League games, per WhoScored.com—and the arrival of Raheem Sterling is likely to limit his appearances even further.

However, he is still a significant goal threat with great finishing ability and tremendous aerial presence. Dzeko could be a fine asset for Arsenal to compete with and complement Olivier Giroud up front.

As Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe notes, Arsene Wenger's side are just a couple of signings away from being genuine title contenders, and Dzeko could be one of those players:

However, it seems highly unlikely that City would be willing to sell the 29-year-old to a direct Premier League rival, and Arsenal may find any approach is met with rejection.

Furthermore, Dzeko is apparently set to depart Manchester only if it is to move to Roma, as previously reported by GianlucaDiMarzio.com's David Amoyal:

In signing Petr Cech from Chelsea, Wenger has dealt with the troublesome goalkeeping area at Arsenal in one fell swoop.

Similarly astute additions need to be made in the strike department and defensive midfield if the Gunners are serious about challenging for the Premier League crown.

The deep-lying midfield role could be even more sparsely populated soon, with Mathieu Flamini reportedly set for a switch to Turkish club Galatasaray, per AmkSpor (h/t Express' Adam Skinner). 

The report suggests Flamini could be let go for as little as £2.8 million, but should the move go through, Wenger must act to bring in greater depth in the centre of midfield.

In fact, added strength will be needed in the department no matter what happens, as Francis Coquelin is currently the only reliable option in defensive midfield and cannot hold the position for an entire season. 

Wenger needs to bring in back-up if Arsenal are to have a realistic chance of claiming the title, as the core of the midfield will be vulnerable, particularly with Flamini gone.