Arsenal are set to bolster their attacking options by swooping for CSKA Moscow's Seydou Doumbia.
CSKA are ready to drop the asking price to $23 million, according to the Daily Mail. Doumbia had a highly successful season with the Russian side, but has stated he would be open to a move to a bigger European League.
"I am ready for the Italian championship, but also for Spain or England, Doumbia said."
His agent Jean Bernard Beytrison said it was too early to say anything. "We are waiting for official steps to be made by some clubs, and until then I don't want to say anything."
It is understood the Ivorian striker has a $40 million buyout clause, but the Russians are ready to do business for less. Doumbia scored 38 goals for CSKA last season, catching the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs. However, Arsenal look to be in pole position.
The Gunners are also keeping an eye on Ukraine's Yevhen Konoplyanka. Arsene Wenger is expected to watch the 22-year-old at Euro 2012 as he sees the midfielder as a perfect replacement for Andrei Arshavin.
Meanwhile, another Arsenal target Jan Vertonghen has moved closer to signing for Tottenham Hotspur.
Vertonghen had stated his preference for Tottenham and the Belgian defender confirmed the move was close to completion. "I am a big fan of the Premier League," Vertonghen, who will play England in a friendly at Wembley, said. "It is almost the only competition I watch on TV and for me it is the best competition in the world.
"I would like to play in the Premier League. I am not in contact every day, but I believe it could be close now, maybe a couple of weeks or maybe even days.
Asked if he was talking about a club in particular, Vertonghen said: "I probably know which team I will be going to, yes. I know where I want to go and I think it is clear to everybody."
Asked if the club was Tottenham, the Belgian said: "Yes."
However, the player tweeted after the press conference. "Don't believe everything the press writes. Nothing is confirmed. Still player of Ajax."
Arsenal could, however, go for another defender with Montpellier's Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa heavily linked with a move to the Emirates. Wenger is a known admirer, and with the defender missing out on France's 23-man squad a quick transfer could be on the cards. Montpellier are believed to be expecting at least $15 million for the player.
Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere is making progress from the injury that kept him out for the entire last season. He is expected to undergo extensive training session at Arsenal to ensure his fitness for the beginning of next season.
Arsenal also announced they would play in the Markuss Liebherr Memorial Cup against Southampton and Rangers in July after their pre-season trip to Asia and Africa.
The competition is played at Southampton's home ground of St Mary's in honor of Saints' former chairman.
The Olympic Torch will be brought to the stadium during the competition and will be paraded during a lap at the ground.
