Arsenal Transfer News: Podolski, Vertonghen, Butland, Park, Bendtner Involved in Speculation

Reports of Arsenal's interest in upgrading their squad continue to surface in the British press as the London team appear willing to spend during the summer transfer period.

Last week, the Guardian floated the prospect that Arsene Wenger would continue to pursue young Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard, and if that fails, Borussia Dortmund's 19-year-old attacking midfielder Mario Gotze. Those discussions, as well as the pursuit of centre back Jan Vertonghen, were contigent on the probable addition of German striker Lukas Podolski.

There were reports of Podolski taking a medical exam and that Arsenal were happy with what they saw from the 26-year-old. But that apparently didn't happen, according to his agent Kon Schramm.

He was at no medical, neither in London nor elsewhere, said Schramm.

Podolski is still expected to join Arsenal, but there is still no formal deal in place.

But the Gunners received a vote of confidence in perhaps adding Vertonghen, according to ESPN.

I have instructed my agent carefully, Vertonghen said. He knows which clubs I want to join, and Arsenal are one of them.

Arsenal are a magnificent club and I hear a lot of good things about English football. If a club of Arsenal's calibre can reach agreement with Ajax, then I will gladly go over.

I haven't signed anything with them yet. But I went to watch them against Milan, together with my Ajax teammate Siem de Jong, after [Thomas] Vermaelen invited us.

Vertonghen, 24, is rated at about £10 million. Like Vermaelen, he can play either left back or centre back, which should be useful given the number of injuries that have befallen Arsenal at those two positions.

According to Daily Mirror, Arsenal are interested in Birmingham's 19-year-old goalkeeper Jack Butland, who is on loan to Cheltenham in League Two. With Wojciech Szczesny having exceeded expectations and firmly entrenched in the starting position, the Gunners may want to find a reserve who can learn from the Polish star, while they consider moving Lukasz Fabianski, Manuel Almunia or Vito Mannone.

Meanwhile, Chu-Young Park's military service postponement in South Korea may make him more attractive to interested bidders. The forward has been used sparingly by Wenger, and according to Daily Mail, he has drawn interest from Anderlecht, Monaco, and Fulham.

Hannover 96 are interested in Danish forward Nicklas Bendtner, according to Metro. Aside from Bendtner, Arsenal will likely have to make a decision on moving Denilson, Carlos Vela, Marouane Chamakh, Sebastien Squillaci and Andrey Arshavin this summer.