Arsenal Transfer Rumours - Kaka, M'Vila, Hazard, Mertesacker and Arteta

Arsene Wenger is expected to make some big-name signings at long last as there are just nine days remaining before the transfer window shuts close.

Late on Sunday, rumours emerged of a possible attempt to bring Real Madrid's Kaka to the Emirates in a loan deal. Although it is understood that Wenger isn't keen to invest in a seasoned professional, the quality promised by the former World Player of the Year could see make him an exception. Kaka has been surplus to Jose Mourinho's requirements at Santiago Bernabeu and reports suggest he has been told that he is free to find another club. The main problem Arsenal could face though, if any deal is to happen, are the huge wages earned by the Brazilian.

Elsewhere, The Mirror reports that Wenger is finally prepared to open up his transfer kitty as bids are in place to bring Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila and Lille forward Eden Hazard for £15 million bid and £20 million respectively.

M'Vila is regarded as a tough midfielder, and he will be a good compliment for the creative Jack Wilshere in Arsenal's midfield, if the move goes through. Hazard, on the other hand, is a highly-rated winger and has been wanted by top clubs across Europe. Wenger himself has been watching the player for over two years, and although Lille is refusing to sell him, a tempting offer could break their stance.

Wenger is also, reportedly, going back with an increased bid for Everton defender Phil Jagielka, after having an attempt rejected earlier in the season. A crucial area which needs strengthening at Arsenal is the central defensive position especially with Laurent Koscielny sustaining a back injury against Liverpool at the weekend. His injury compounds Arsenal's defensive problems as he joins Johan Djourou and Sebastian Squillaci in the sick-bay. It leaves Wenger with only one fully fit and recognized central defender in Thomas Vermaelen while Ignasi Miquel was thrown in at the deep with the task of fending off Liverpool after Koscielny's injury. It is therefore crucial to beef up the defence.

To that effect, it is believed that Wenger will go back to Everton with an increased bid for Jagielka, having had moves of £10m and £12m rejected earlier in the summer. The French tactician rates Jagielka above Bolton's Gary Cahill, while reports linking Blackburn's Christopher Samba and Birmingham's Scott Dann continue.

Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker is another player who has been long linked to the Emirates. A report in the Caughtoffside.com suggests that Arsenal will offer wantaway forward Nicklas Bendtner to the German side as a makeweight to bring Mertesacker to London. Bendtner has been linked with moves away from Emirates all summer, and has fallen further down the pecking order after the signing of Gervinho while Mertesacker has spent six years at Bremen and is into his final year of his contract. It is believed that he wants to test himself in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, Arsenal's talks with Lazio's Mauro Zarate is believed to gaining pace and it is hoped that the 24-year-old striker will join the London side in time for the Premiership encounter with Manchester United next week. According to footybunker.com, Lazio have confirmed that the striker will leave the Italian side, and his talks with Arsenal are at such a stage that a move is imminent. He is valued at around £10 million and the Gunners are expected to beat off competition from Newcastle United and Spartak Moscow for his signature.

Reports on Sunday also suggested Everton's Mikel Arteta as a stop-gap replacement for the departed Cesc Fabregas. According to Caughtoffside.com, Wenger considers the Spaniard to be the perfect short-term fix and the 29-year-old has been linked to Arsenal before, although a move never materialized. Now though, Wenger feels the player has enough Premiership experience and quality to balance a side who have been left short of experience with Fabregas' departure.