Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger Talks Rumoured Aleksandr Golovin Interest

Arsene Wenger has shied away from rumours he is interested in CSKA Moscow midfielder Aleksandr Golovin ahead of Arsenal's UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg against the Russian Premier League side on Thursday.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Gunners manager sought to downplay the speculation, although he stopped short of denying his interest altogether:

"You can understand that I if I speak to you about respect, that I do not want to come out and speak about transfers of some CSKA Moscow players to Arsenal.

"That is not the case at the moment, and I don't think it would be appropriate to talk about something like that the day before the game."

Laurent Cipriani/Associated Press

Charles Watts of Football.London noted how links between Arsenal and Golovin have been ongoing for a while, particularly in Russia.

In November, Russian agent Sandor Varga told Sport Express (h/t Alex Wood of the Daily Star) he had watched the player last summer at Wenger's request.

In December, The Sun's Alan Nixon named the Gunners as potential suitors but reported Chelsea were more likely to sign the playmaker.

Still just 21, Golovin has attracted a list of notable interest thanks to his technique, intelligence and vision. Those qualities have helped him net five goals and supply three assists for CSKA.

Pavel Golovkin/Associated Press

In terms of his playing style, Golovin is a natural fit for the Gunners, as Wenger loves his teams to play expressive, attacking football.

The Frenchman will also know his midfield could use a refresh sooner rather than later.

Jack Wilshere is out of contract this summer and continues to be linked with Premier League rivals Everton, per David Woods of the Daily Star.

Woods also reported Aaron Ramsey, whose deal is up in 2019, is a possible target for Manchester United.

Coupled with Santi Cazorla's ongoing injury woes, the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ramsey and Wilshere means Arsenal could soon be short of midfield creativity for a rare time in the Wenger era.

Adding Golovin would help solve the issue, but any move could hinge on how well the precocious talent fares against the Gunners in the Europa League.