ARSENAL TRANSFER RUMOURS: Rondon, Van Persie, Sakho and Milo Involved In Latest Speculation

Having for so long publicly exclaimed their confidence that captain Robin van Persie would remain at the Emirates, it appears that Arsenal have been preparing for his departure behind the scenes for some time.

Arsenal scout, and former Gunners defender, Gilles Grimandi, has admitted that French striker Olivier Giroud was signed with at least one eye on him filling the Dutchman's role up front.

Was the recruitment of Giroud made to compensate for his Van Persie's departure? Yes, we worked to avoid being cornered, said Grimandi, according to the Daily Mirror.

We want him to stay home but he is left with one year on his contract so it is complicated.

At Arsenal, there is a healthy atmosphere, he's been here for eight years and he has a real commitment to the club.

If there is a great offer and if he wants to leave, it will be difficult to keep him.

Van Persie has publicly stated his decision not to sign a new contract at the club and Arsenal are expected to cash in on the 28-year-old this summer. Manchester City, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with a move.

With the futures of Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner also in doubt, boss Arsene Wenger may well be looking to bolster his front line with another addition. Linked heavily to the Gunners, as well as Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool, in recent weeks is Malaga front man Salomon Rondon.

And boss of the La Liga side, Manuel Pellegrini, has admitted that they have received offers for the Venezuelan international.

Rondon has had substantial offers from both Germany and England, he said, according to Sky Sports.

To stay here, to have time to demonstrate his worth, it has been important to Malaga and hopefully we can have him for longer.

Rondon, 22, struck 11 goals in La Liga last season as Malaga claimed a qualifying spot for the Champions League. His similar playing style to Giroud may make him an unlikely signing for the Gunners, however.

There would appear to be firmer interest in young Egyptian left-back Milo. The 21-year-old, currently plying his trade for Haras Al Hodood in his homeland has claimed that the Gunners have been trailing him for some time.

Arsenal officials have been following me since my participation in the Toulon tournament in 2009, he told FilGoal.

And the English team got more interested in me after Toulon 2012 and I'm now waiting for their official letter.

I will meet with the Haras Al Hodood officials before I leave with the Olympic squad on Thursday to understand their stance from this offer.

I believe the Arsenal scouts will watch me closely at the London Olympics. My participation at London 2012 is what will determine my next step, and I hope to come to a European club.

Arsenal could also boost their options at the back with a move for versatile defender Mamadou Sakho. It has long been reported that Wenger is a fan of the 22-year-old French international, who is primarily a center-back but has also played on the left of defense.

Having signed the likes of Diego Lugano and Alex in the past year, Sakho has found his playing time in Paris diminished and has revealed he could seek a move.

If another defender comes in, I will do everything to leave because I have to think about my future, he said, according to Sky Sports.

My objective this season is to be in the starting 11 at a club. So I am opened to propositions of clubs keen to play me and allow me to go on improving.

With PSG said to have agreed a fee with Milan for defender Thiago Silva, Sakho may soon be on the move.