ARSENAL TRANSFER RUMOURS: Van Persie, Mirallas, Walcott and Niang Involved In Latest Speculation

According to reports, the bidding war has begun for want-away Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

Both Sky Sports and the Daily Mirror claim that several clubs have come forward with bids, hoping that Arsenal will decide to cash-in on Van Persie now rather than losing him for free next summer. The Mirror states, though, that all offers have fallen short of what is believed to be Arsenal's asking price of £25 million.

Juventus are thought to be in pole position to sign last season's Premier League top scorer, with Manchester United and Manchester City also strongly interested.

After his announcement that he had no intention of signing a new contract at the Emirates, Van Persie returned to training on Monday and is expected to have formal talks with manager Arsene Wenger this week. With the club flying out for their tour of Asia on Saturday, the next few days could be crucial in determining his future.

Both the Times and Goal.com have reported that Arsenal intend to hold Van Persie to the last 12 months of his contract. While that would constitute a huge financial gamble, it could pay off if he helps the Gunners to earn qualification for the lucrative Champions League. Wenger may also hope that he can persuade Van Persie to stay in the coming months.

Arsenal are faced with a similar predicament over their winger Theo Walcott. The Guardian has reported that the Gunners are yet to even open talks with the England international over extending his deal that now has less than 12 months left to run.

According to the Guardian, it is believed that Wenger will discuss Walcott's future with the player in Asia before the 23-year-old begins negotiations upon returning to London. Both Liverpool and Chelsea have been linked with potential moves should Arsenal decide to offload Walcott this summer.

If Walcott does leave, Arsenal could compensate for his loss with the signing of Belgium international Kevin Mirallas. Sky Sports has reported that both the Gunners and Liverpool are interested in the versatile forward who is currently plying his trade with Olympiakos.

The 24-year-old is said to have a buy-out clause of just €8.25 million (£6.4 million), with Sky Sports claiming that Arsenal and Liverpool could already be poised to open negotiations with Mirallas' agent.

Arsenal will also face Premier League competition if they are to secure the signing of highly-rated French teenager M'Baye Niang. The Gunners have already taken the 17-year-old forward on trial and now Sky Sports are reporting that they have agreed a fee with Caen for his transfer.

However, Manchester City are also thought to have a keen interest in Niang. It is believed that City now want to take Niang on trial, with the likelihood that the player will be faced with a choice between the two clubs.

While City may be prepared to offer a better financial package, Niang could yet be swayed by Arsenal's record in developing young players as well as what would appear to be their greater desire to recruit the teenager.