ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS: Podolski, Gotze, Corgnet, and Jurado Linked to the Gunners

Last summer, Arsenal was embroiled in transfer speculation revolving around Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, and supporters openly questioned the direction that Arsene Wenger, Peter Hill-Wood, and Ivan Gazidis were leading the club.

The storm has apparently passed, and the Gunners appear to be back to doing business as they usually have.

The most recent example is the addition of Lukas Podolski, which is almost confirmed at this point. Daily Star reported that the 26-year-old German striker took his medical exam, which basically paves the way for his arrival at Emirates.

Daily Star has also linked Arsenal to a £30 million bid for playmaker Mario Gotze. The Borussia Dortmund teenager has been on Wenger's radar for several months, and his possible move would signal a change in course for the Gunners, who have never bid more than £18 million for a player.

But Arsenal have other players that they are reportedly pursuing, as well.

Metro reported that Arsenal have joined Newcastle in pursuing Benjamin Corgnet. The 24-year-old midfielder plays for Dijon, a club that are near the bottom of the Ligue 1 standings. Corgnet, who is comfortable in the middle of the park and is a legitimate threat to score from outside the box, is expected to command a £5 million bid.

Metro has also linked Nicklas Bendtner to cash-rich Anzhi Makhachkala. The Danish striker struggled last season with Arsenal and has done little in his loan spell at Sunderland to convince Wenger that he deserves to be recalled back to Emirates, and there may not be room with Podolski on his way. Sunderland have given no indication that they want to make the loan permanent.

There had been speculation that Bendtner could have garnered a £9 million bid last summer, but now it seems his valuation has dipped to roughly £4 million.

Arsenal also appear to have interest in Spanish winger Jose Manuel Jurado, according to Internet reports. The 24-year-old can play on the left side or as an attacking midfielder for Schalke 04.

With Andrey Arshavin's time with the Gunners most likely coming to an end, it's possible that Wenger will search for a reserve for Gervinho, and Jurado might be an ideal candidate.