It looks like it will be another busy summer for Arsene Wenger.
Though it appears to be just a matter of time before Lukas Podolski officially joins Arsenal, Wenger has given indication that he intends to bolster his squad with some high-profile additions.
The Arsenal boss is planning to go head-to-head with Paris Saint-Germain over Sunderland attacking midfielder Stephane Sessegnon, according to Daily Mirror. The 27-year-old from Benin is very versatile and joined the Black Cats in January 2011 from Paris Saint-Germain.
What makes a bid on Sessegnon interesting is the fate of Nicklas Bendtner. The Danish striker is on loan with Sunderland, so perhaps the two clubs would consider working out a deal to move Sessegnon to Emirates, and keep Bendtner with the Black Cats.
The Telegraph reported this week that the Gunners continue to pursue Yann M'Vila. The Rennes holding midfielder was tracked by Arsenal last summer, which isn't surprising considering how closely Wenger monitors Ligue 1. Wenger reportedly offered £15 million for M'Vila in August.
M'Vila is valued at close to £20 million now, which might be too steep a price for the Gunners. The 21-year-old French star has drawn interest from deep-pocket clubsReal Madrid and Inter Milan, and that could raise the bid beyond £25 million.
Former French star Marcel Desailly has urged Arsenal to sign M'Vila, who he believes will become the best midfielder in the world if he plays in the Premier League.
Oliver Giroud, who also competes in Ligue 1, continues to be linked to the Gunners. Daily Mail reported that the Montpellier striker remains a potential summer signing for Arsenal. The publication rated Giroud at £50 million, which is completely out of Arsenal's price range.
However, Arsenal may have the resources to spend this summer. The Gunners appear likely to move Carlos Vela, Andrey Arshavin, and Sebastien Squillaci, among others, in an overhaul of the squad. The club didn't use a bulk of the amount they received from Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, when the midfield duo left the club in a chaotic summer for Wenger.
According to ESPN, Sao Paulo have claimed that Denilson may extend his loan deal with the famed club. The 24-year-old Brazilian had previously stated his commitment to the Gunners, but Arsenal's over-crowded midfield would likely mean his time at Emirates is coming to a close.
Another player who is expected to move on is Marouane Chamakh, though he appears to think otherwise.
ESPN reported that Chamakh told French magazine Onze: "Am I going back to Bordeaux? For now, no. I have spoken to Wenger and I will stay at Arsenal. I think he trusts my work and I will have opportunities in the first team.
"I left Bordeaux to improve as a player and I think I can continue for this club. My agents have been ordered to reject bids that come from other clubs because I want to prove I can be useful for the Gunners."
Multiple French and Italian teams have shown interest in Chamakh. With the impending addition of Podolski, it seems apparent that Chamakh will not be needed with the Gunners.