Arsenal Transfer News: Cavani, Villa, Amorebieta And Maher Involved In Latest Speculation

Napoli front man Edinson Cavani has claimed that he is unaware of any interest from Arsenal. Last month Arsene Wenger expressed his appreciation for the prolific Uruguayan’s talents, but said that a move in the January transfer window would be financially unfeasible.

The Arsenal boss has expressed his desire to add a striker to his squad, sparking speculation that Cavani could be the subject of an approach this summer. Cavani, however, was unaware of the speculation.

"I know nothing about Arsenal's interest," the 25-year-old told Spanish station Radio Onda Cero, according to ESPN. "I have only heard about it now."

Napoli are determined to hold on to Cavani and inserted a €63 million (£54m) release clause into his contract, signed last August. Yet Serie A’s top scorer this season, has not ruled out the possibility of a move.

"I have a contract for four years but in football you never know what to expect,” he revealed. “Barcelona and Real Madrid are teams which stimulate the imagination. But I am only thinking about the present.

"I'm living the highest point of my career with Napoli and I want to concentrate on fighting for the scudetto."

While Arsenal didn’t even attempt an approach for Cavani in January, one forward they did try to sign was Barcelona’s David Villa. Wenger admitted that he pursued the Spain international, but was told that the La Liga leaders were not prepared to sell in midseason.

It is thought that it could be a different story in the summer, with conflicting reports about whether Arsenal will reignite their interest in the 31-year-old.

Spanish publication AS claims that Arsenal will continue to pursue Villa, although they could well face competition from Atletico Madrid. According to the story, Atletico are considering an approach for Villa as an alternative for Radmael Falcao, who looks set to leave this summer.

Atletico would be confident of landing the former Valencia man by offering him the chance to stay in Spain and a likely place in the Champions League.

Arsenal are also said to be looking to Spain for Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta. The Venezuela international has entered the final six months of his contract and appears unlikely to sign a new deal.

According to Sky Sports, Arsenal—along with Liverpool, Everton and Milan—are all monitoring the situation. The 27-year-old center-back, who came through the youth ranks at San Mames, represented Spain at youth level before switching his allegiance to his country of birth in 2011.

One player it appears that Arsenal won’t be signing any time soon is young AZ Alkmaar midfielder Adam Maher. The Gunners have been strongly linked to the 19-year-old and last week AZ boss Gertjan Verneek said that Arsenal would be the perfect club for Maher to continue his development.

But the Netherlands international has stated that he wants to remain in his home country for the time being.

"I have already said that I do not want to go,” he said, according to TalkSport. “I want a good stay in the Netherlands, at least another two to three years—I am only 19.

"PSV is a nice club, but on the other hand I live in Amsterdam. Last summer and last winter I indicated I want to go to PSV, but PSV was the only club that wanted to sign me. But I can also play for Ajax [too].”