Ibrahim Afellay is receiving considerable interest from English Premier League clubs, after his agent revealed the Barcelona midfielder would go out on loan for the upcoming season, while Spurs have reportedly bid for Yann M'Vila.
Afellay was linked with an Arsenal move earlier in the summer, with the winger, who is close friends with the departed Robin Van Persie, expected to join the club to persuade his compatriot to stay. Those rumors, however, never materialised. Afellay's agent Rob Jansen admitted the winger would be on the move, after discussions with manager Tito Vilanova suggested the winger would only play a fringe role this season.
"I expect Afellay to leave Barcelona on loan before the transfer window closes, Jansen told Studio Voetbal.
"Talks are ongoing with several clubs. He has concrete interest from England. But it all depends on Barcelona, though. They decide where their players are going.
"He has the qualities to succeed at Barcelona, but endured a setback with his injury. It might therefore be better to try and get more playing time elsewhere. We are currently looking at the possibilities."
It is believed Arsene Wenger would be interested in making the signing; however, the Nuri Sahin situation might again arise, with the winger keen to return to Barcelona after the end of this season, while potential buyers might want a clause added to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
Arsenal are already plush with wide players, and it would be questionable whether the Gunners need Afellay in their squad; although his quality is undoubted, the injury problems he has suffered over the past couple of seasons, might be a worry.
Tottenham Hotspur are believed to have shown the most interest in Afellay and the winger could yet move to Arsenal's archrivals, with Andre Villas-Boas now left with a sizeable transfer chest after the sale of Luka Modric. Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring the situation.
According to the BBC, Villas-Boas is using a part of that transfer money available, by putting in a £12.7 million ($20 million) bid for Yann M'Vila. It is believed the bid was rejected, with Rennes holding out for £15 million ($23.6 million). According to the report, Arsenal have not placed an official bid as yet, so it remains to be seen if Wenger will ramp up his interest.
The Arsenal manager has admitted he is still in the market for players with M'Vila a long-term target. Victor Wanyama of Celtic and Etienne Capoue of Toulouse are also being considered, with Celtic reportedly rejecting an opening bid for their defensive midfielder.
Wenger, already ruled out the signing of Cheick Tiote from Newcastle United, but the Gunners can use a solid defensive midfielder in their squad and only time will tell whether Wenger will push on for a deal for one of the three mentioned, or maybe even some other player that hasn't been linked with a move to the Emirates as yet.
If the rumors in the various sites are to be believed, Arsenal are closing in on the likes of Moussa Dembele, Yohan Cabaye, Kevin Gameiro with a couple of German internationals thrown in as well, with Richard Law reportedly in Germany to tie up a 'big' deal.
So plenty of speculation at the Arsenal; with Friday the deadline to complete all the transfers, it sure is going to be an interesting time for all Arsenal fans.
