Arsenal Transfer Rumours - Lukaku, Enrique, Nasri and Van Persie

After securing the signatures of Gervinho and Carl Jenkinsson, Arsenal continue pursuing a defender and an attacker, although their primary focus is to persuade Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas to stay.

What could go a long way in boosting Arsenal fans is a reported link to Belgian whiz-kid Romelu Lukaku. The Sun reported that Arsenal tabled a £14 million bid for the 18-year-old - move which puts Chelsea in danger of losing out on the Anderlecht striker. He was heavily touted to sign with Chelsea, but Gunner manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly hoping to pull-off the deal and seal a major coup.

The Sun goes on to report that Anderlecht, despite valuing the player at £18m, are prepared to sell him for a less, though the fact that 25 per cent of the fee goes to Lukaku's dad could be a possible stumbling block.

Arsenal are also interested in signing Jose Enrique from Newcastle, after selling Gael Clichy to Manchester City. The Mirror reports that Newcastle are resigned to losing Enrique after he refused to sign a lucrative new offer from the Toons. Manager Alan Pardew revealed the player was not focused and on the club and would be allowed to leave as he wishes to play Champions League football.

Liverpool are also in for the Spaniard, but Arsenal can dangle the Champions League in front of him as an added incentive to join the Londoners.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said, The noises coming out of Jose's camp are that he wants to get a new club playing Champions League football,' bemoaned the frustrated Toon boss.

Unfortunately we can't offer him that but that seems to be his focus. Hopefully that will change but we've offered him a massive contract which he does not want to sign, so it's a difficult position. There have been no concrete offers. But if he goes, it is going to leave a big hole in the team. It would need filling quickly.

However, the Gunners will have much to do if they're to hold on to Nasri as Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini admitted that he was hopeful of signing the Frenchman by the end of the month.

Nasri has 12 months remaining in his Arsenal contract and Wenger is well aware that if the 24-year-old does stay on at the club without agreeing to a new contract, they could lose him for nothing next year. Despite that Arsenal are hoping to coax him into staying and signing a new deal, though City's reported £27 million offer could see the Londoners finally succumb into selling him.

Mancini told Sky Sports News, Samir is under contract with Arsenal. Also for Samir it depends on many things. I don't know in this moment, I don't know the situation but for Nasri it is difficult.

I hope that we can buy because we need other players, and I hope that this player can arrive before the end of the month.''

Worryingly for Wenger, Real Madrid are planning a bid for another key Arsenal player in Robin Van Persie, according to caughtoffside.com. The Dutch striker impressed for the Gunners last term, despite an injury lay-off, scoring 22 goals in the 26 games he started. He is rated at £30 million, but Wenger will be keen to hold onto to yet another crucial member of the squad.

Madrid had their striking options stretched last term after an injury to Gonzalo Higuain, and manager Jose Mourinho is looking at options to fill the gap. Madrid have also enquired about Lukaku.