Arsenal Transfer News: 4 Star Players Linked To Gunners This Week; Rosicky On His Way Out?

Arsenal have once again struggled to maintain a healthy roster, and a top-four finish to earn a spot in next season’s Champions League looks increasingly in jeopardy. Arsenal are currently in sixth place, but just four points behind fourth-place West Ham United. A strong finish might be needed to hold off competitors like Tottenham, Southampton, and Swansea City.

Arsene Wenger’s squad is expected to receive a boost with the imminent return of Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott, and Laurent Koscielny, but Arsenal could use a boost from versatile defender, a pure defensive midfielder, and perhaps another midfielder in the January transfer window to add depth to a unit that seems to be constantly plagued by injuries and inconsistency.

In recent days, the north London club has been linked to numerous high-profile names. The most recent has been Edison Cavani, one of the most prolific strikers in the world. According to the Express, Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has grown tired of Cavani and the Uruguayan may be on his way out, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United considered possible destinations. The chances of Arsenal shelling out £50 million for any player this winter, let alone for a position that is not a glaring need, seems far-fetched to say the least.

The Sun reported that defensive midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin wants to leave Southampton for Arsenal, and that Wenger plans to make a £25 million bid in January. It’s unclear if the sum is enough to pry the 25-year-old from St Mary’s considering the current campaign the Saints are having this season. Unlike Cavani, Schneiderlin would fulfill a need for the Gunners, and Wenger has a history of favoring French players. Schneiderlin has also been linked to Tottenham.

Another French midfielder who has been linked to the Emirates is Moussa Sissoko. According to Daily Mirror, Arsenal are considering a £16 million bid for the Newcastle United star. Sissoko, 25, was rumored to be on Arsenal's radar in November, and grew up admiring the Gunners, particularly Patrick Vieira. Reports earlier this month had the Magpies seeking to keep Sissoko with an improved contract, though he has four years left on his current deal.

Mats Hummels remains an Arsenal target, as well, according to Italian website Tuttomercato. Arsenal may have to shell out as much as a £47 million for the Borussia Dortmund center back. Such a deal might seem hasty considering the solid partnership of Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, though Hummels is among the best center backs in the world and is capable of also playing defensive midfielder. There has been speculation surrounding the 26-year-old joining Arsenal for months, and he is reportedly growing frustrated with Dortmund’s struggles in the Bundesliga, with the club currently in 17th place. Hummels has also been linked to Manchester United and Manchester City.

Meanwhile, midfielder Tomas Rosicky, who joined Arsenal in 2006 and has made 158 appearances with the club, has drawn interest from Greek champions Olympiakos, the Independent cited from Greek media. The 34-year-old Czech has been used sparingly this season, but is still considered a crafty playmaker and a catalyst off the bench. In 2012, Roma reportedly approached Arsenal with a £5 million offer.