Arsenal Transfer News: Mario Gotze Blow, Latest on Serge Gnabry and Top Rumours

Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their reported pursuit of Bayern Munich forward Mario Gotze, after the Bundesliga club's chief executive said the German would stay in Bavaria.

Recent comments from Gotze in which he was coy on his future had increased speculation that the Gunners could snap up the 23-year-old, whom they have been linked with for some time, per talkSPORT.

However, Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has now addressed the speculation—along with that over Mehdi Benatia—and said he has a "feeling" Gotze will stay, per Sky (h/t Football Italia):

"

Benatia has a four-year contract with Bayern. 

We signed him for his quality, we saw last night [in the 3-0 win over Milan] that he’s a great player. 

 As for the German player [Gotze], he’s also tied to our club for the next two years, and I think he’ll stay with us. 

I have a feeling that neither of them will leave us, we’re happy to have them with us.

"

Since his switch from Borussia Dortmund in 2013, Gotze has failed to make a real impact at the Allianz Arena. 

Even in the wake of his winning goal in last summer's World Cup final, his fortunes have not turned around under manager Pep Guardiola—the German has struggled to nail down a first-team spot.

Gotze is a supremely talented player who would be a terrific addition at Arsenal, as he could form a dynamic attacking unit with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.

Rummenigge's comments do not completely rule out the potential sale of Gotze, and Sky Germany's Jan Aage Fjortoft recently speculated as to whether Bayern would accept any offer for the attacker:

As talkSPORT's report notes, Manchester United have also been linked with the German international.

A move for Gotze in the current transfer window seems highly unlikely with the new seasons set to begin imminently in both the Bundesliga and the Premier League.

However, Arsenal will no doubt keep an eye on the young winger in the coming season, as he is clearly not completely satisfied at Bayern and could become available in the future.

Bogdan Maran/Associated Press

Gotze's compatriot Serge Gnabry is set for a temporary departure from the Emirates Stadium, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger seemingly choosing to send the 20-year-old midfielder out on loan.

According to MailOnline's Neil Ashton, Gnabry will join West Bromwich Albion on loan until at least January, with "an option to extend his stay with the Baggies until the end of the season."

As noted by Ben Fairthorne, previously of the Sun and CNN, it looks to be a good move for all involved:

West Brom will have the short-term services of an exciting young talent, while Gnabry will benefit from regular first-team action and return to Arsenal a better player.

His opportunities have been limited at Arsenal since his switch from Stuttgart in 2011—he has made only 10 league appearances—but a spell under the experienced Tony Pulis could well be the making of him.