Arsenal FC Transfers: 5 Biggest Rumors of the Week

Arsenal splashed the cash in August. Could a post-Christmas spending spree follow in January?

If the number of transfer rumours surrounding Arsenal are an indication, the answer could be yes. The Gunners and manager Arsene Wenger have been linked to dozens of deals since the summer transfer window closed three months ago.

With just over one month left before the transfer window reopens, the transfer talk is heating up. But, it's not all one-way traffic.

Arsenal have their targets, and other clubs are reportedly targeting Arsenal players.

It could be a wild January. Let's get right to the latest news.

Lukas Podolski Chase Heats Up

If the reports are to be believed, Arsenal have been after Lukas Podolski for some time now.

The Gunners initially targeted the German international striker in early November, and now the chase appears to be heating up.

Tottenham entered the race last week, and the latest reports say Arsenal's scouts are watching Podolski play for FC Köln (also known as Cologne in English).

The deal would reportedly cost the usually thrifty Gunners £20 million. Podolski has reportedly refused to rule out the move.

So, is Podolski worth it? Podolski, 26, has scored 61 goals in 192 total Bundesliga appearances, including 77 goals in 163 appearances with Köln. With the German national team, he has earned 95 caps, scoring 43 times.

If Arsenal can get the price down a little, this could be a good deal. Podolski is entering his prime years, and he's proven his ability to score at the highest levels.

Roberto Soldado to London?

If the Podolski deal doesn't work out, Arsenal might turn to Valencia striker Roberto Soldado.

The Soldado situation closely resembles the Podolski rumours. Wenger has reportedly sent out scouts to watch Soldado and is preparing a January bid.

The difference is that Soldado's price tag is apparently only £15 million.

Chamakh to PSG?

It's hard to know what to make of this one.

When the news came out a few weeks ago that Real Madrid wanted Jack Wilshere, most Arsenal fans probably shrugged (or cursed) and said, "Well, that figures."

This one, though, is different. Apparently, PSG want Marouane Chamakh. And apparently, they want him bad.

How bad? They reportedly want to buy him for £10 million.

If that's true, Arsenal have to sell. Chamakh has been, at best, a bit-part player.

Gunners Target Romanian Starlet

Apparently, Arsene Wenger is unhappy with his frontline. These days, all the Arsenal rumours deal with strikers.

Along with Soldado and Podolski, Arsenal are also reportedly interested in 21-year-old Romanian winger Gabriel Torje.

Dubbed the "Romanian Messi" (that just doesn't sound right), Torje has a really cool name and an impressive skill set.

The price, however, might be a bit too high: Udinese want £20 million.

Odds and Ends

A few more loose ends for you to salivate over:

Arsenal are being linked with Palermo midfielder Josip Ilicic. Also in that article, the Jan Vertonghen-to-Arsenal rumours are back.

Ilicic would cost £25 million (too much), while Vertonghen (an Ajax defender) would cost £10 million (a bit high, but OK).

Elsewhere, there are reports that Arsenal will face competition from Napoli to sign German midfielder Patrick Herrmann from Borussia Monchengladbach.