ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS: Hazard, Vertonghen, Giroud, and Sessegnon Involved in Recent Speculation

Arsenal appear to have a busy summer ahead of them in the transfer market with some notable players likely to move on.

While Arsene Wenger and Peter Hill-Wood will do whatever they can to keep Robin van Persie, the Gunners have to make decisions on several other players, such as Marouane Chamakh, Lukasz Fabianski, and Thomas Rosicky.

With Per Mertesacker out with a long-term injury, Arsenal may need an additional centre back. The Gunners are currently in a three-club race for fourth place in the Premier League, and if they fail to qualify for Champions League there will likely be major changes.

Reinforcements will probably be on their way for next season, and there are already plenty of options.

According to Metro, Jan Vertonghen, of Ajax, is back in Arsenal's plans. In the summer, the Gunners showed interest in the 24-year-old centre back, who can also play defensive midfielder. Vertonghen might be a perfect fit, as fellow Belgian Thomas Vermaelen could move over to the left side if Vertonghen is used as the primary centre back with either Mertesacker or Laurent Koscielny.

Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in Vertonghen, who is valued at roughly £10 million.

Metro also reported that Arsenal have been scouting Olivier Giroud. The 25-year-old Montpellier striker has been linked to Newcastle, but the Gunners appear to have more interest in the French star. Giroud is rated at £10 million, and might be a solid option if Chamakh leaves Emirates, which is highly likely.

Newcastle and Bayern Munich are also interested in Grioud, who has two caps with France.

The Express reported that Wenger will bid on Stephane Sessegnon. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder is a very versatile player for Sunderland, and has drawn interested from Paris St Germain and Liverpool. Sessegnon could be a reliable reserve striker off the bench if Arsenal continue to have injury problems.

Arsenal may make a bid on Benfica striker Rodrigo, according to Daily Mail. The 20-year-old Brazilian born star has excelled with the Spain Under-21 squad and had played 17 games on loan at Bolton last season.

The Gunners could go younger and pursue Carel Tiofack. The Sun reported that Arsenal have their eye on the 17-year-old Ispwich striker.

But the big fish remains Eden Hazard.

Once considered out of Arsenal's price range, the Gunners might open up their books to add the 21-year-old playmaker, who may cost as much as £30 million. Hazard has shown interest in Arsenal, as well.

There are several clubs that interest me in England and Arsenal is really a part, Hazard told Foot Sport magazine. Of course, it's always more fun when the football is beautiful. In addition, at Arsenal, there is a French coach and French players, as well as my compatriot Thomas Vermaelen.