Arshavin
Andrei Arshavin will return to his former club in Russia. Reuters

Transfer speculation is escalating for Arsenal, as the club has its sights set on rebuilding for the 2012-2013 Premier League season.

The Gunners have already loaned out Andrei Arshavin to Zenit St. Petersburg, which might be a little surprising that it's a loan and not a transfer. Though Arshavin has had his struggles this season, Arsene Wenger could probably use the Russian if Gervinho needs a replacement off the bench.

There are plenty of deals that are being proposed for the off-season, though. One of them is rather unusual.

According to The Sun, Chelsea are willing to swap striker Daniel Sturridge for winger Theo Walcott. It may be hard to imagine the London rivals making such a deal. With Arshavin's fate with the club in doubt for next season, Arsenal might not be in the position to move perhaps their best wing, even with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain progressing. Sturridge would be an ideal insurance policy for Arsenal if the club can't come to an agreement on a contract extension for Robin van Persie.

In July, Daily Mail reported that Chelsea were interested in Walcott, so there might be considerable interest in the 22-year-old star this summer. Barcelona and Juventus have also shown interest in Walcott in recent months.

The Sun also reported this week that Daniel Opare of Standard Liege is an Arsenal target. The 21-year-old Ghana wingback could be a key addition considering the injury problems to Arsenal's full backs this season.

Francisco Roman Alarcon, sometimes referred to as Isco, is also an Arsenal target, according to Daily Star. The 19-year-old Malaga attacking midfielder is valued at roughly £5 million. Isco has featured prominently in Spain's national youth squads and is considered an up-and-coming star.

Metro reported that Arsenal are in the hunt for Matias Suarez of Anderlecht. The 23-year-old Argentine can play either striker or winger, and has done a solid job with the Belgian squad. Barcelona and Everton are also interested in Suarez.

Marko Marin of Werder Bremen is another name on Wenger's radar, according to reports, but there is plenty of competition to land the 22-year-old German attacking midfielder. Tottenham, Liverpool, and Chelsea have also shown interest in Marin, who is expected to command a bid of more than £10 million.

Ghana London Ghana Ghana