Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Van Persie, M’Vila, Song and Ki Involved in Latest Speculation

Arsenal are still be locked in negotiations with Manchester United for the potential sale of captain Robin van Persie. Representatives from the two clubs were reported to have held talks on Tuesday night as they try to reach a compromise, according to the Daily Telegraph.

With Van Persie refusing to extend his deal at the Emirates, he is thought to have made it clear that he wants to join United before the close of the transfer window at the end of the month.

According to the Telegraph, Arsenal and United still hold differing valuations for the player, with the Gunners continuing to hold out for in excess of £20 million. Some sources, including the Independent, even put their asking price at £30 million.

United are reluctant to go in excess of £15 million, though there seems to be a consensus that a compromise will be struck.

While Arsenal are obviously reluctant to lose their talisman, there would appear to be a sense that both parties are eager to get a deal done before the Premier League season kicks-off this weekend.

Van Persie was booed when he appeared as a substitute in a friendly against Cologne on Sunday and his presence could well cast a disruptive shadow when Arsenal begin their season at home to Sunderland on Saturday.

While the departure of Van Perise has been mooted for some time, Arsenal fans have not been prepared for what now appears to be the impending sale of Alex Song. Barcelona have intensified their interest in the midfielder, with the club sending vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu to London to negotiate a deal, according to Catalan newspaper El Mundo Deportivo.

Barcelona are said to have already made an offer of €15 million (£11.75), though are aware that Arsenal will demand significantly more. The story claims that a compromise could be struck for between €18 million and €19 million. While Wenger would not want to lose Song, who has become a vital dynamic presence in Arsenal's midfield, the situation is complicated by the fact that the Cameroon international has just two years remaining on his contract.

According to the Independent, if Song does leave, Wenger could move for long-time target Yann M'Vila. The Rennes star was said to be on the verge of joining the Gunners earlier in the summer, although M'Vila's disciplinary problems both on and off the pitch were thought to have dissuaded Wenger form making a move.

While Rennes have conceded that the 22-year-old is likely to leave this summer, he started the club's opening game of the season against Lyon on Saturday. However, following the match, the Ligue 1 side claimed that they had received a "concrete offer" from England.

Subsequently, reports have suggested that it was Arsenal's rivals Tottenham that had made the offer, though the Gunners could still pounce.

Arsenal could also replace Song with another reported target, Ki Sung-Yueng. In the latest speculation, the Sun has stated its belief that Celtic are expecting an £8.5 million offer from Arsenal for the midfielder.

Arsenal's scouts were said to have been impressed with Ki last season, while he also enjoyed a successful Olympics campaign with South Korea as they claimed bronze. Atletico Madrid, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers are also reported to be pursuing the 23-year-old.