If the rumours are to be believed then Arsene Wenger’s pursuit of a striker is nearing its long sought after conclusion with Gonzalo Higuain seemingly Emirates-bound.

Arsenal are also looking at the options available to them to strengthen the defensive area of the team, with today’s stories focussed on the centre backs on Wenger’s radar.

No Bids for Williams

Firstly, the stories of Ashley Williams are growing in number and the Swansea captain is eager for a move away from the Capital One Cup champions.

Sky Sports are reporting that no offer has yet been made for the Wales international. After a strong season Williams is sought after by several clubs from the top half of the premiership, but with a £10 million fee seemingly needed for Swansea to part ways with one of their key players, the clubs are reluctant to yet make a formal bid.

Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal are all being heavily linked with Williams, who signed a three year contract in 2012, and unless these clubs make a serious offer, Williams may still be a Swansea player come the end of the transfer window.

Papadopoulos a Wanted Man

With Arsenal not yet making a bid for Williams, speculation is spreading about other central defenders on Arsene Wenger’s radar.

The Metro are reporting that Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos is an alternative to Williams, whose transfer has seen to hit a stumbling block. The Greek defender is only 21 and although he will be a more expensive transfer than Williams, he is seen as a more long term investment.

Schalke have released a statement claiming that only the minimum fee release clause of £19 million would suffice in dragging Papadopoulos away, but it is reported that £13 million would be an acceptable offer.

Liverpool and Chelsea are also eyeing up the Greek international, who has been capped 16 times, and the future looks bright for the young defender.

Zouma

These three clubs are also keeping their eyes on St. Etienne defender Kurt Zouma, who would be worth around £8.5 million, and again, at 18, has his best days ahead of him and definitely would be of interest to Wenger and many more of Europe’s top clubs.

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