Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Surprise Target Emerges Before the August 31 Deadline

Arsenal continue their search for reinforcements following the departures of Robin van Persie and Alex Song, and there is notable name who could join the team before the Aug. 31 deadline.

The Times and Metro reported that the Gunners are interested in Edin Dzeko. The 26-year-old joined Manchester City in 2011 and is considered one of the more prominent strikers in the Premier League.

Dzeko is a bit of a surprise pursuit by Arsenal, as Dzeko was reportedly unhappy in England and wanted to return to the Bundesliga.

In April, The Independent reported that Dzeko was a Bayern Munich target, considering they were the only German club capable of matching his £100,000 wages, which makes Arsenal's interest somewhat curious. The Gunners are rather prudent with their finances, and Dzeko might be too expensive for the North London club.

Dzeko has 17 goals in 44 appearances with City, and would likely vault to a regular starter, as newcomer Olivier Giroud figured to be a reserve when Arsene Wenger added him in June.

On Thursday, Wenger confirmed that Theo Walcott will be staying. The 23-year-old is in the final year of his contract, and has been with the Gunners since arriving from Southampton in 2006.

"Theo's situation is simple -- he will stay with us and play for us. No (he will not leave this window)," Wenger said, according to ESPN.

"Theo has one year to go and that is simple. We have to find an agreement with him on whether to extend the contract for a longer period or not. That is what we want to do and I think Theo loves the club."

Nicklas Bendtner may also be staying for the time being after Juventus turned down the chance . The Dane has been the subject of transfer speculation for over a year, and he has been mainly linked to Bundesliga clubs. According to Sky Sports, Bendtner is keen on a move to Italy.

Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote won't be joining the Gunners. According to sources, the 26-year-old is happy with the Magpies, and Wenger stated that Tiote won't be a summer transfer addition.