Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Arda Turan and Olivier Giroud Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly weighing up the decision to pursue Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan this summer amid speculation linking Fenerbahce with a move for him.

According to Lluis Miguelsanz of Spanish newspaper Sport (h/t Metro's Tom Olver), the Turkish club have made an enquiry to Barcelona over Turan, who may opt to leave in search of more minutes on the pitch, while the Gunners are "considering entering the race."

The 29-year-old was ineligible to play for the first half of last season due to Barcelona's transfer ban but made 18 La Liga appearances following his debut in January. However, he completed 90 minutes just three times and averaged 45 minutes per appearance.

He also had a disappointing campaign with Turkey at UEFA Euro 2016, drawing jeers from his own fans, per football journalist Rafael Hernandez:

Nevertheless, the attacking midfielder possesses strong technical skills and an even more impressive work rate that could make him a solid capture.

In March, Turan discussed his move to the Camp Nou and appeared to aim a dig at the Gunners, per Catalan newspaper Diari Ara (h/t Dan Gibbs of the Daily Express): "I felt that I would sign for Barca. In all honesty I used to think, 'If I play very well I will end up signing for Barca,' because my style fits into this team. 'If I play well, I will end up at Arsenal.'"

Arsenal are a far more attractive proposition than Fenerbahce, though, so if Turan does opt to leave Barca, he may reconsider.

However, according to Hernandez, the club will allow him to stay and prove himself next season:

Indeed, after only half a season, it would seem premature to end his Barcelona career just yet, but it could be worthwhile testing their resolve.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have reportedly rebuffed "a string of enquiries" for striker Olivier Giroud.

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According to the Mirror's Darren Lewis, several clubs got in touch with the Gunners at the end of last season, but after giving early indications they'd be willing to listen to offers, Arsenal now intend to keep him even if they sign another striker.

The Frenchman is a highly divisive figure—he netted 24 goals in all competitions last season but also went on a 15-game goalless run in the Premier League in the latter half of the campaign as Arsenal's title bid fell apart with frightening predictability.

His time at Euro 2016 has almost been a microcosm of that—as the tournament's official Twitter feed revealed, he's posted strong stats in helping France reach the final:

Equally, his disastrous attempt to outpace Benedikt Howedes in the semi-final with Germany drew plenty of ire, as demonstrated by Match of the Day's Gary Lineker and the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle:

Ultimately, Giroud has proved himself to be a viable option up front for Arsenal—82 goals in four seasons isn't to be sniffed at.

However, it's equally clear he can't fire Arsenal to the title by himself, and he can't be relied upon to bear the bulk of the team's goalscoring burden.

The Gunners are wise to keep him, but he needs a more ruthless player either alongside him as a partner or ahead of him in the pecking order.