ARSENAL TRANSFER RUMOURS: M?Vila, N?Zonzi, Benayoun, Ljajic, Diame, Lopez Involved In Latest Speculation

As Arsenal gets set for a drawn-out saga over the future of Robin van Persie, the Gunners could also face an anxious wait over their key transfer target for the summer.

It had been expected that Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila, thought to be close to a move to the Emirates, would finally decide on his next destination after the end of the Ligue 1 season on Sunday. But the 21-year-old has now said that he intends to take his time.

I will consider all offers in a peaceful way and then with my agent and family make a balanced decision, he said, according to Tribal Football. I want to play for a Champions League club; that would be my preference.

That statement would seem to suggest that M'Vila is favoring a move to Arsenal over the other known interested party, Inter, who failed to qualify for the Champions League next season. However, it is also possible that the France international is hoping to flush out offers from other clubs. Arsenal will certainly be eager to get a deal done before the player puts himself in the shop window during Euro 2012.

Either with a view to him being an alternative to M'Vila or perhaps as a back-up, Arsenal are also said to be closing in on a move for Blackburn's Steven N'Zonzi.

Sky Sports recently reported that a host of clubs have already made contact as they look to keep the 23-year-old in the Premier League after his relegation with the Lancashire club this season. And, according to Sport 360, it is Arsenal that has moved into pole position to sign the defensive midfielder who moved to Ewood Park in the summer of 2009.

Another option to occupy that crucial midfield role had appeared to be Wigan's Mohamed Diame. The Senegal international's contract expires in the summer and was said to be interesting the Gunners, as well as Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa.

It has been reported by the Daily Mail on Tuesday, however, that Diame is close to a move so La Liga outfit Malaga. Having secured a place in the qualifiers for the Champions League, Malaga are an attractive proposition. And, perhaps more importantly, given their wealthy Qatari owners, they can also offer Diame a bumper salary and signing-on fee.

Arsenal must soon take a decision of its own in the transfer market as Chelsea await a formal offer from the Gunners for midfielder Yossi Benayoun. The Israeli spent a mixed season on-loan at the Emirates last term, but enjoyed an impressive run in the side at the end of the campaign.

Chelsea is eager to move Benayoun on, with a fee of £1 million said to be sufficient for his services, according to Metro.

However, with boss Arsene Wenger reportedly unwilling to offer the 32-year-old more than a one-year-deal, Benayoun could instead move to Ajax or former clubs Maccabi Haifa or West Ham.

Alternatively, Arsenal could look to boost the creativity in their ranks with a player at the other end of the age scale in Fiorentina's Adem Ljajic. Talksport reports that Wenger is interested in the Serbian, who was once lined up to join rivals Manchester United.

Ljajic is highly-regarded for his ability but has often been criticized for a lack of commitment. Indeed, the 20-year-old's sarcastic reaction to being substituted earlier this month saw him physically attacked by former boss Delio Rossi, who was later sacked for his actions.

Ljajic is also expected to soon depart the Serie A side, who could be willing to sanction a swap deal with Arsenal for Marouane Chamakh.

Though swap deals rarely materialize it would certainly be an interesting proposition for the Gunners.

One player definitely on the way out of the Emirates is Manuel Almunia, who the club confirmed on Tuesday would be released at the end of his contract on June 30. And, with Lukasz Fabianski said to be eager to leave the Emirates this summer, Wenger could be on the lookout for cover for first-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

The latest name linked with filling a role warming the Arsenal bench is Villareal stopper Diego Lopez, according to the People. The once capped Spanish international is likely to be moving on this summer, with his club having suffered a shock relegation from La Liga. Tottenham is also said to be interested.