Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Scott Parker and 5 EPL Targets for Arsene Wenger

Arsenal remain one of the most active clubs in the transfer market. Arsene Wenger refuses to stay complacent after last season's meltdown.

Arsenal have been linked to dozens of players. Whether the rumors are legitimate or not, it is obvious that the Gunners have their sights set on a variety of players. Defenders, strikers and goalkeepers seem to be their biggest priority, and I would be shocked if they didn't make at least a deal for each of those positions by the end of the summer.

In order to make Arsenal's rumors more manageable, I have chosen to focus on five players strictly from the English Premier League that they have been linked to buying. Some have a better chance of joining Arsenal than others, but each of these rumors should be acknowledged.

Let me know if you have heard any other rumors, or any further development with these players. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy!

Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill is nearly a Gunner. Arsene Wenger has a deal in place. According to Jeremy Wilson from The Telegraph, it looks like Cahill will make the move within the next week.

Arsenal need help in defense, and they are going to make a move. This one has been a long time coming, and I think Cahill will fit well with the Gunners. He has been a staple in Bolton's defense for three years now, and he is ready to make the jump to a big club.

Basically, Arsenal need a defender with EPL experience, and Cahill fits the bill. Expect big things from him next season.

Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe is extremely unhappy for Tottenham Hotspur. He is so unhappy that he may actually make the move to hated Arsenal.

While that switch is not unprecedented (see: Campbell, Sol), it is not usually the most well-received transfer. Defoe has put in good time for Spurs, but it is pretty clear that his time is up. If Arsene Wenger listens to former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour, he will jump at the chance to get Defoe.

The Gunners need a striker, and Defoe has shown the ability to score in the Premier League. It would be worth their while to take a chance on the Spurs striker.

Scott Parker

Scott Parker played unbelievably last season. Unfortunately, his inspired play couldn't keep West Ham in the Premiership.

As a result, Parker has been looking for new work this summer. Once again, Ray Parlour chimes in about transfer to Arsenal. He would fit well in the Gunners' midfield, and he would relieve a lot of pressure from the other stars.

Arsenal doesn't desperately need a midfielder. However, any time you have a chance to get the FWA Footballer of the Year, you have to take it, don't you?

Pepe Reina

Jose "Pepe" Reina is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Arsenal, without a doubt, could use an upgrade at goalkeeper. If they could land Reina, they would become a serious force in all of Europe.

That being said, Reina maintains that he wants to stay at Anfield. That may be true, but if Liverpool don't start competing in Europe, there is no reason the keeper should stay. He isn't getting any younger, and he wants to win trophies while still in his prime. This move may not happen this summer, but it is definitely something to keep on the back burner.

Reina is desperate for the Champions League, and if Liverpool starts slow, I wouldn't be surprised to see him out of Anfield in January.

Christopher Samba

Chris Samba is adamant that he wants out of Blackburn. It's as simple as that.

Blackburn appears they want to keep him, for manager Steve Kean described Samba as "one of our players we would like to keep." Still, Arsenal keeps popping up around the rumors. If they offer enough money, Samba could be well on his way to North London.

If Arsenal do get Cahill (as it looks like they will), it is less likely they will get Samba. Still, Samba wants to move on to a bigger club, and Arsenal could be the club for him.