Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Van Persie, Llorente, Sahin and Ki Involved in Latest Speculation

Speculation is mounting that Manchester United are set to complete a deal for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie. The signing could even be finalized as early as tonight, according to the Manchester Evening News.

If it happens, the move would come as a massive blow to the Gunners with the belief mounting in recent days that Van Persie may be set to stay at the Emirates. Despite announcing his decision not to sign a new contract last month, the capture of Santi Cazorla to accompany those of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud had reportedly buoyed Van Persie's hopes for Arsenal's future.

But Van Persie is said to still seek a move to United with the two clubs ready to agree a £20 million fee, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Arsenal have already rejected offers from United, as well as Juventus and Manchester City this summer.

If Van Persie does depart in the coming days, it would at least give Arsenal time to replace the Dutchman before the close of the transfer window at the end of the month. Spain striker Fernando Llorente had been linked as a possible arrival earlier in the summer and the 27-year-old could now be set to depart Athletic Bilbao.

Basque TV Station ETB has claimed that Llorente has told club directors of his desire to leave Athletic for "sporting reasons." Juventus could already be set to swoop with a £20 million move, according to Marca.

Llorente has proven himself to be a prolific scorer in both La Liga and in Europe in recent seasons earning him a regular place in the Spanish squad. There must be doubts, though, about whether he is the right option for Arsenal. Llorente offers many of the same physical attributes that Giroud possesses with Wenger likely to seek a more versatile forward in the mold of Van Persie.

Despite the capture of Cazorla, Wenger is reportedly still looking to boost his midfield options for next season. High on his list of targets is South Korean star Ki Sung-Yueng, according to the Daily Mail. The 23-year-old Celtic man has been in impressive form at the Olympics helping his side to reach the bronze-medal match.

The report claims that Arsenal's chief scout Steve Rowley is a big fan, with the player catching the eye during assignments in Scotland last season. Ki could be available from the Scottish champions for £9 million.

Arsenal have also been strongly linked with Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin in recent days. Reports in the Guardian suggested that the Gunners were closing in on a season-long loan deal for the Turkish 23-year-old who has struggled to earn regular football at the Bernabeu since his move from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

The paper now claims that a deal will only happen if Alex Song, who is reportedly the subject of interest from Barcelona, departs the Emirates this summer.

According to the report, Wenger would consider offers of £15-million-plus for Song. Competition will be tough for Sahin, however with Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United also interested, according to Marca.