Coral’s Rumour Reel: Arsenal to land Barcelona midfield maestro?

Arsenal will be hoping to mount a serious title challenge this season, with Arsene Wenger having boosted his squad already this summer to prepare for a tough campaign ahead.

The Gunners are 9/2 with Coral to lift their first Premier League crown since 2004, but will make a sensational swoop for Barcelona’s midfield anchor Sergio Busquets, with the 27-year-old Spaniard a possible departure from the Nou Camp.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa want to continue to revamp their squad after the departure of star striker Christian Benteke, and Nantes midfielder Jordan Veretout is now expected to fly to the West Midlands to complete a move.

Newcastle United have rebuffed their interest in Marseille’s 22-year-old wideman Florian Thauvin, though the Ligue 1 oufit have already rejected a £12m bid from Steve McClaren’s Magpies this summer.

Having made many key new signings at the Britannia Stadium already, Mark Hughes isn’t stopping there, as he looks to lure both Andriy Yarmolenko and Adama Traore to Stoke City this year. Ukraine international Yarmolenko has long been tipped for a switch, while Barcelona’s 19-year-old prospect is another potentially superb arrival.

Roberto Martinez’s Everton are still trying defiantly to retain the services of talented England international centre back John Stones this year, having recently rejected a renewed bid of £25m from Chelsea for the sought-after defender.

Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has incredibly declared that he has no idea of the whereabouts of his out-of-favour Argentine attacker Angel Di Maria. The Old Trafford misfit has been linked heavily with French champions PSG.

Further bad news for the Red Devils, with reported defensive target Sergio Ramos set to sign a new contract with Real Madrid in Spain. With a deal for the Spanish centre back now dead in the water, Los Blancos will continue their approach for David de Gea as a replacement for Iker Casillas.

And finally, West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic says he has not given up hope of securing former loan star Alex Song on a permanent basis from Barcelona, with the 27-year-old having enjoyed a successful loan spell last term. The Hammers are 2/1 to secure a top 10 finish this campaign in the top flight.