Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Sahin, Afellay, Navas and Bojan Discussed in Latest Speculation

As Arsenal try to bolster their midfield options following the departure of Alex Song, it spears that the club is set to miss out on the signing of Nuri Sahin. Reports in recent days had suggested that the Gunners were set to wrap-up a season-long loan deal for the Real Madrid midfielder.

According to Marca, however, Sahin is instead poised to sign for Liverpool. The Merseysiders were known to be pursuing the Turkey international, although it had been claimed that Sahin preferred a move to the Emirates. Marca now reports that a deal collapsed when Arsenal pushed for a permanent deal; something neither Sahin nor Real are said to want.

Sahin's agent Reza Fazeli is believed to have been in Liverpool on Wednesday with an agreement possible as early as today.

Missing out on Sahin would come as a significant blow to Arsenal with manager Arsene Wenger having been a long-term admirer of the 23-year-old, who is out of favor with the Spanish champions.

There has also been further speculation on the story the International Business Times brought you yesterday concerning Arsenal's interest in Sevilla winger Jesus Navas. The Daily Star has picked up on the report from Spanish publication AS that the Gunners are set to make an opening offer for the Spain international.

According to the Star, Navas could well be a replacement for Theo Walcott. With just a year remaining on his contract, it is thought that Wenger may decide to cash-in on the England winger now rather than risk losing him for free next summer. Both Liverpool and Chelsea are thought to be interested.

Another possible replacement for Walcott could well be Ibrahim Afellay. The Dutch international has been linked to Arsenal previously this summer and Marca now claims that Arsenal are one of a number of clubs to have contacted Barcelona about signing the 26-year-old.

The report states that Zenit St Petersburg are the latest club to make an approach, while Inter Milan, Lille, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke are also interested.

After missing much of last season with injury, Afellay is not expected to feature prominently in new coach Tito Vilanova plans this season. He is thought to be available for between €8 million (£6.3m) and €10 million (£7.9m).

Afellay could be a useful addition for the Gunners with his ability to operate on either the left or the right of midfield or attack.

Arsenal are also said to be interested in an equally versatile former Barcelona forward. Spanish newspaper Sport claims that Arsenal are one of the clubs chasing Roma's Bojan Krkic.

After a promising start to his Barcelona career as a teenager, the 21-year-old left Camp Nou for the Italian capital last summer. However, he made just 13 Serie A starts last season in a disappointing campaign that ended with the departure of manager and former Barcelona B coach Luis Enrique.

Tottenham, Milan, Atletico Madrid and Valencia are also claimed to be monitoring the situation. Bojan, who has won one cap for Spain, can play in any position along the front line.