Arsenal transfer news and rumours: Riyad Mahrez 'agrees to join Gunners in £41 million move', while Wenger misses out on top target Gonzalo Higuain

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has underline the club's determination to land the players Arsenal need to take the side forward - but only if their abilities warrant the asking fee. 

Speaking to ESPN, the Frenchman said: "We are very active, and if we find the right candidates we will spend big money. We have already spent big."

Arsene Wenger has lost out on what is believed to be his top transfer target this summer, after pictures emerged today of the Napoli striker undergoing a medical for the Italian side in Madrid. 

According to Italian sports outlet Tutto Mercato, the Serie A champions have triggered the player's release clause and are due to announce his signing imminently. 

It is widely rumoured that Juventus are spending the money they will receive from Paul Pogba's transfer to Manchester United, with Higuain flying to Madrid yesterday to undergo his medical. 

He is understood to have agreed a four year contract worth £6.3 million per season. 

So it seems reports of an impending Mahrez-to-Arsenal deal appear to have been fueled by the fact that the player's agent, Kamel Bengougam, attended Arsenal's pre-season friendly against Lens on Friday night.

Bengougam has since reportedly informed The Guardian that Arsenal are not interested in his client (well, he would say that wouldn't he) and his attendance had nothing to do with a potential deal, but surely there is no smoke without fire? 

The Gunners could miss out Argentina star Gonzalo Higuain with reports suggesting the Napoli striker is having a medical at Juventus.

Sky Sports is claiming the Argentine is edging closer towards a move to Turin.

Manchester United could even play a helping hand in denying Arsene Wenger his target.

United are expected to cough up a staggering £105 milion for Paul Pogba and if the deal goes through, the Old Lady could easily reinvest the cash in Higuain.

 Is this a title-winning team?

Riyad Mahrez has agreed to join Premier League rivals Arsenal, according to reports in the French edition of Eurosport.

Leicester City have spent the summer fending off interest in their star men, having lost N'Golo Kante to Chelsea, and could now see Mahrez join the Gunners in a £41 million move.

It is thought that Arsene Wenger met Mahrez's agent after their 1-1 pre-season friendly draw with Lens on Friday night. 

Arsene Wenger has vowed to spend big this summer  – but only if the right players are available.

Gunners fans are desperate for their manager to splash the cash after seeing the likes of Man Utd, City, Chelsea and Liverpool strengthen this summer.

£30 million was spent on Borussia Monchengladbach captain Granit Xhaka, while The Sun reports that a club-record transfer for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain is in the works.

Barcelona winger Arda Turan is another target, while Leicester star Riyad Mahrez is also of interest.

Arsenal have emerged as 3/10 odds-on favourites to sign Mauro Icardi from Inter Milan, ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea at 5/2 and Spurs at 4/1.

It has been widely reported that the player's agent was in London this week to discuss a potential £50 million move to the Emirates.

The Inter Milan forward is keen for a move away from Inter, while Arsenal are desperate to increase their attacking options.

They are already in the race to sign Alexandre Lacazette, but will turn to Icardi if that deal falls through.

According to Don Balon, Alexis Sanchez has urged Arsene Wenger to sign his Turkish winger Arda Turan. 

While the two didn't play together at Barcelona, the Chilean did face Turan on a number of occasions when he played for Atletico Madrid, and is therefore well aware of his qualities.

Furthermore, Thursday's signing of Andre Gomes from Valencia has pushed Turan further down the pecking order at the Nou Camp and could force the Turkish international out of the exit door.

And finally, Arsenal are unhappy with Manchester City's pursuit of Hector Bellerin as they claim that is it unsettling the defender, reports IBTimes.

The 21-year-old Spanish international has emerged as a target of Pep Guardiola's and is wanted at the club to challenge both Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta at right-back with the view to becoming their long-term option in that position.

Bellerin played 36 times for the Gunners last season and was one of their standout performers. The Spanish international has also been linked with a move to Barcelona, and Arsenal are desperately trying to tie him down to a long-term deal.