Arsenal transfer news and rumours: Gunners lining up Marco Reus as Theo Walcott replacement

Borussia Dortmund’s star man Marco Reus may have recently signed a new deal at the club but that has not stopped Arsenal from making the Germany international one of their prime targets, according to the Independent.

With Theo Walcott’s future at Arsenal looking increasingly uncertain, Arsene Wenger has earmarked Reus as a potential replacement. Walcott took to social media yesterday to deny a rift with Arsenal boss Wenger but did reveal that there has been no contract offer from the club as of yet.

Walcott’s current contract at the club expires in 2016 while Reus only recently signed an extension to 2019 at the Westfalenstadion. His new contract saw the removal of a 20 million Euro release clause.

"I am very happy with my decision. Dortmund is my home city and Borussia is simply my club," said Reus upon signing his deal.

"I am looking forward to a successful future with our team and our fantastic fans behind us. We have a lot to do."

The Rhine club were in the relegation zone when Reus signed his deal, so the idea that he may be tempted to leave the club in search of Champions League football has very little credibility.

However, this is not to say that the story has no substance, Wenger may very well be interested in bringing him to the club. However, the fact that his new contract no longer includes a release clause complicates matters further – Reus would have to push the move through and the above comments suggest that this is something that he would be highly unlikely to do.

Furthermore, while Reus is a lavishly talented footballer, he has been horribly injury prone. The last thing that Arsenal need is another player in the treatment room.

It must be said, though, that if Arsenal sell Walcott and sign Reus then that would be a significant upgrade.

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According to the Daily Star, Arsenal are moving ever closer to making a key summer addition having agreed personal terms with Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.

The paper reports: "Arsenal boss Wenger will bid more than £20m for the Saints man, who is also a target for Barcelona.

"France international Schneiderlin, 25, has agreed terms with the Gunners but the two clubs are yet to agree a fee.

"Wenger sees Schneiderlin as the ideal defensive midfielder and is now convinced he needs somebody in that position after his team's loss to Monaco."

OUR VIEW: This is good news for Gunners fans. Francis Coquelin has done superbly ever since he was recalled from Charlton but Schneiderlin is a far better player and would give the Gunners the holding midfielder they have been searching for for so long.

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Arsene Wenger is already turning his attentions to the summer transfer window, according to reports this morning.

The Sun claim Arsenal are aiming to sign Lyon forward Nabil Fekir for £25m.

As the paper puts it: "Paris Saint-Germain are also keen but Lyon do not want to sell to a rival, if he is free to leave at all.

"President Jean-Michel Aulas is desperate to keep his young side together for another season as they move to a new stadium."

The Sun also link Arsenal with Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who has been on the scene for what seems like ages but is still just 22.

The Daily Star put Leno's value at £25m as well.

OUR VIEW: The link with Leno is a touch strange given David Ospina is currently playing well and keeping Wojciech Szczesny out of the team. Furthermore, Arsenal have plenty of forwards at present and signing Fekir would surely not be a priority either. Maybe they've both made a shortlist, but Arsenal have more pressing concerns.

Their first objective must be a commanding defensive midfielder. After that they can think about forwards and goalkeepers.

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