Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Van Persie, Sahin, Song and Kouyate Discussed in Latest Speculation

Despite frenetic speculation in the past 24 hours Robin van Persie remains an Arsenal player. For how much longer, though, remains to be seen.

A report in the Manchester Evening News claimed that Van Persie could have been in in Manchester as early as Wednesday night, but, while that proved to be premature, further developments could be imminent. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson continued his public discourse over the club's pursuit of Van Persie by claiming that Arsenal were providing stern resistance.

"We have made a bid and they've been trying to negotiate with other clubs," said Ferguson.

"I don't have a gut feeling on it at the moment, I must admit.

"We're not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal. It's difficult to say why they're operating this way.

"I don't know what their thoughts are, because they're not giving anything away."

Ferguson's comments very much suggest that Arsenal are eager that, if Van Persie is to leave, he go overseas rather than to a direct Premier League rival. Juventus have already registered their interest with the Gunners this summer. However, with the Serie A champions thought to be perturbed by the finances involved in completing a deal and Van Perise's reported preference to go to United, the situation could reach an impasse.

According to the Daily Mirror, United intend to test Arsenal's resolve with an increased bid before the end of the week.

Van Persie is not the only Arsenal player to be linked with a move away from the Emirates of late. Alex Song continues to be talked of as a potential target of Barcelona. Speculation that new Barca boss Tito Valanova did nothing to quell when speaking on Wednesday evening.

"I don't like talking about players who are not in our squad," he said when asked about Song, according to the Daily Mail.

"There are many players outside of Barca who I like and I cannot talk about them. It would be a lack of respect to other clubs."

While Song was one of Arsenal's top performers last season and offers vital bite in the midfield, Wenger is said to be willing to listen to significant offers for the player, according to the Mirror.

If Song does depart then Arsenal could move for Anderlecht midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, whom the Gunners have been linked with in recent days.

The 22-year-old caught the attention with some impressive performances for Senegal during the Olympic Games. While Kouyate's representative has claimed that there has been significant interest in his client, Anderlecht general manager Herman van Holsbeeck said that no bids had yet been received.

"There has been no bid for him," Van Holsbeeck said, according to Sky Sports.

"We know some clubs have looked at him and he has been in the spotlight."

Though a different type of midfielder, Nuri Sahin has also been mentioned as a possible arrival should Song be sold. A season-long loan deal has been mooted with Sahin struggling for first-team football at Real since his move form Borussia Dortmund last summer.

Though Real coach Jose Mourinho has intimated he would not stand in Sahin's way if he chooses to leave, competition for the 23-year-old is set to be fierce. Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United have also been reported suitors, while Milan have now entered the race, according to TalkSport.