Arsenal Transfer News: Cabaye, Zaha, Basta and Vrsaljko Involved in Latest Speculation

Arsenal have been linked with two right-backs amid speculation that Bacary Sagna could soon be exiting the Emirates. The France international, currently recovering from a broken leg, recently admitted his frustration at the summer sales of Robin van Persie and Alex Song. Stern words from manager Arsene Wenger followed, leading to reports that Sagna’s days at Arsenal may be numbered.

TalkSport has become the latest outlet to suggest that the Gunners are monitoring Udinese’s versatile right sided player Dusan Busta. The Serbia international, currently playing at right wing back for the Italians, only has a year left on his current contract.

According to the story, Wenger has sent a scout to check on Busta this season and is considering making a move for the 28-year-old in January.

Wenger is also apparently looking at the younger end of the market in the search for a right back and is keen on Dinamo Zagreb 20-year-old Sime Vrsaljko.

The Gunners are one of several clubs—including Manchester City, Valencia and Sampdoria—that are interested in Vrsaljko, according to TalkSport.

Highly-rated in his home country, Vrsaljko made his debut for the full Croatia side last year and was a non-playing member of their Euro 2012 squad.

Arsenal are also said to be monitoring the progress of Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha. The Gunners could face stern competition for the 19-year-old’s signature, with the Daily Mirror reporting that London rivals Tottenham have joined Arsenal and Liverpool the race for Zaha and are regularly sending scouts to watch him in action.

Crystal Palace’s manager Dougie Freedman has said that he will not stand in the way of his young charge leaving when the time is right.

"When he's ready and when I think he's ready to go to the right club, I will tap Wilfried on the shoulder and tell him I can't help him any longer," Freedman said, according to the Mirror.

"It's a little bit different with my kids, the relationship has been there a long time.

"Wilfried can play at the top level if he continues going with his movement, he's got wonderful technique and ability. His all-round game is coming together."

The report claims that Palace will seek £8 million for the England Under-21 international. It is possible that Wenger may see the pacey Zaha as a long-term replacement for Theo Walcott, whose future continues to be shrouded in doubt.

There has also been news about Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye, who was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal in the closing days of the summer transfer window. The France international was seen in some circles as the man who Wenger would recruit to replace Alex Song.

That move always appeared a longshot and the 26-year-old has reiterated his commitment to Newcastle.

“I want to be here and I am happy,” he said, according to the Sun. “And I am pleased to be here playing for Newcastle. I want to play for this club.

“I am here for the same reasons as last year. We have the same team so I think we can have a really good season this year as well.”