Arsenal Transfer News: Willems, Austin, Sagna and Bazoer Discussed in Latest Speculation

Arsenal have joined the race to sign prolific Burnley striker Charlie Austin, according to the Daily Mail. Liverpool, Newcastle, Everton, Aston Villa and Reading are all interested in the 23-year-old who is said to have been watched by a number of clubs in recent weeks.

Austin has scored an incredible 20 goals already this season and looks set to make the step up from the Championship in the near future.

Arsenal are thought to be in the market for a striker, though there are likely to be question marks over whether Austin possesses the all-round game to flourish at the Emirates.

In other speculation, the Gunners are linked to a pair of young Dutch defenders. PSV Eindhoven’s much discussed 16-year-old Riechedly Bazoer has received offers from Arsenal, as well as Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, according to Goal.com. The central defender is already believed to have toured the facilities at City and will do likewise at Arsenal and Chelsea before deciding on his future.

Bazoer has also been offered a deal by PSV, who last month urged the player to stay in the Netherlands for the time being.

“We have offered him a professional contract now he has turned 16,” PSV sporting director Marcel Brands said, according told Goal.com. “I speak with the family, the boy and his agents. We hope we will get an answer soon.

“What is his intention? Is it to develop or go for bigger money in England? You have to ask him and his agent which clubs are interested in him. I don’t know and it doesn't matter.

“It is his choice and the agent will do their best for the player. The only thing we can do is offer him good possibilities in terms of coaching and prospects."

Under Fifa rules, the maximum compensation available for the transfer of academy players is just €364,000 (£296,000).

And Arsenal are also said to be looking to raid PSV for left-back Jetro Willems, according to Caught Offside. The 18-year-old came to prominence as he was an ever present during the Netherlands’ short-lived Euro 2012 campaign. While he endured some difficult moments during the summer, he has clearly established himself as a potential star of the future.

With Andre Santos being much criticized for his performances on the left side of Arsenal’s defense in recent weeks and Kieran Gibbs continuing to suffer from injuries, Wenger may well be looking to bring in a left-back.

Arsenal may soon need to strengthen the right side of their defense too, with the Daily Mirror reporting that Inter Milan are ready to move for Bacary Sagna next summer.

The 29-year-old, who has just returned from a broken leg, has 18 months remaining on his contract and could become the latest Gunner to be sold ahead of a potential free transfer.

With Carl Jenkinson impressing in the early weeks of the campaign, Wenger could be prepared to sell Sagna, especially after the France international spoke, earlier this season, of his frustrations over the sales of Robin van Persie and Alex Song.