After sealing the signing of Santi Cazorla, Arsene Wenger is now looking to further bolster his line-up by looking at the likes of Nuri Sahin and Celtic duo Victor Wanyama and Ki Sung-yeung as well as Senegal youngster Cheikhou Kouyate, as he plots a sustained title challenge for Arsenal.
Wenger, however, has reportedly gotten frustrated with Alex Song, after the midfielder expressed his desire to explore his options in the transfer market, after reported interest from Barcelona. While Arsenal are unlikely to sell the Cameroon international, Wenger might be forced to sell, the midfielder, who has two years remaining on his contract, if he continues to look for a move.
Song had an outstanding season with the Gunners last season, showing his attacking prowess on several occasions; but Wenger is reportedly worried about the 24-year-old's indiscipline when it comes to defending and acting as a screen for his central defenders. Barcelona are reportedly lining up a £15 million ($23.4 million) move, with several Barca players including Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta praising the midfielder.
"I know Song from seeing him play, and from playing against him," Iniesta said. "Technically he is a very good player and is also very strong physically too.
"If he comes it would be because he has the qualities to play here, there is little doubt about that, and we'd welcome him."
Arsenal scouts, impressed by some good performances in the Olympics for South Korea, have recommended Celtic midfielder Ki -- dubbed the "Korean Steven Gerrard" - to Wenger, according to the Daily Mail. The 23-year-old put in some really good performances for his country, capped by scoring the winning penalty against Great Britain in the semi-finals. Wenger is also still keeping a close watch on Wanyama, and could press in with a move, if the Song situation deteriorates. Moreover, the Arsenal manager will look to seal the loan move for Sahin, as he sees the Real Madrid midfielder as a perfect back-up for the injured Jack Wilshere.
Reported Arsenal target Fernando Llorente, who was linked with a move to the Emirates if Robin Van Persie left the club, has apparently turned down a new contract offer from Athletic Bilbao. The 27-year-old Spanish international has just one year remaining on his contract, and the current contract situation has prompted Juventus, who are also, incidentally, tracking Van Persie, to consider putting in a bid.
The chances of Arsenal moving for the striker are slim, and Wenger will only remotely consider a bid if Van Persie leaves the club this summer. Llorente is also reportedly on Manchester United's radar.
Meanwhile, Cazorla admitted the chance to join Arsenal was too good to pass-up and believes he is joining the club at the perfect age. "This was the last train (for me) because I think that getting to a big club at the age of 27 it is an ideal moment," the Spanish international told Arsenal Player.
"You still have loads to learn but quite a lot to offer. It is an important moment in my career. I think it is a perfect age and hopefully I will be able to make the most of this opportunity.
"One always dreams of playing for a big club and now I am going to have the chance to do so. Everyone has told me that I am going to see a difference from the clubs where I have played before and Arsenal.
"You feel this is a big club by the way they behave and treat you, for the facilities and for everything around the club. I am very lucky to have this chance."
Arsenal sorely missed a goal-scoring midfielder in the line-up last season, and Cazorla hopes to be the person capable of getting goals, as he embarks on his first season in the English Premier League. "You always want to get better. I scored nine goals in La Liga last season, so I want to exceed that," he said.
"It is always positive to do that. But we'll see how the season goes. Hopefully I will be able to score a lot to help the team and have a good season. That is what we all want."