Transfer deadline day is nearly upon us, and as expected, speculation surrounding some of Arsenal's top targets is rapidly heating up. The Gunners have already had a productive summer window, but when Arsene Wenger is calling the shots, fans always know they could be in for a surprise.Arsenal are still linked with a number of players to help their squad in the 2014-15 campaign, so let's take a look at the latest transfer buzz surrounding some of the Gunners' top targets.William CarvalhoGoal's Wayne Veysey reports the Gunners have submitted a new offer for Portuguese youngster William Carvalho, a player who has been linked with a move to the Emirates all season.Sporting previously rejected a 20 million offer but are now eager to cash in, per Veysey, and Wenger hopes a fresh 21.3 offer could persuade the Portuguese side to part with their star midfielder.The 22-year-old was previously valued at 28 million, and it's hard to deny a reduced price tag would present the Gunners with excellent value. The powerful midfielder was sensational in 2013-14 and is widely recognised as one of Europe's top talents at the holding midfielder position.Arsenal are low on bodies in the defensive department, and Carvalho would likely make an instant impact as a depth player and rotational piece in his first year with the Gunners. He has the potential to be a special player in two or three years, explaining why his current club held out for an improved offer for so long.The youngster reminds Metro's Oli Price-Bates of a former Gunner:At 24million, Carvalho is well worth it. Despite having only played in the Portuguese league, he clearly has all the attributes to do well in the Premier League. His brief appearance in the World Cup showed the calming presence he brings to a midfield, a surprisingly good passer of the ball considering his build. Hes in the Vieira mould and that is a player Arsenal have failed to replacesince the Frenchman left.With Sporting eager to sell and Arsenal in need of a strong midfielder to shield the back four, there's no reason to think a deal won't come to fruition.Loic RemyThe Gunners are reportedly trying to hijack Chelsea's move for Loic Remy, meeting Queens Park Rangers' asking price of 8 million in an attempt to stop the French international from joining their hated rivals at Stamford Bridge, per the Daily Mail's Rob Draper.Chelsea are still in pole position, having made their pitch on Friday, but Remy is believed to prefer a move to Arsenal, where he would likely become an immediate starter following an injury to compatriot Olivier Giroud.Diego Costa has started the 2014-15 season in deadly form, and Remy would serve as little more than cover for the Spanish international, further helping Wenger's case in trying to convince him to join Arsenal instead.The 27-year-old clearly has the talent to be a starter for one of the Premier League's better teams, as shared by Squawka, so if Arsenal's offer can match the one made by Jose Mourinho on a personal level, it seems likely the Frenchman will pick the Gunners over the Blues:Chelsea need Remy in the wake of Fernando Torres' loan move to AC Milan (as reported by Goal), however, so the Blues will do anything possible to come to personal terms with Remy before Wenger has a chance to convince him otherwise.Sokratis PapastathopoulosArsenal have returned to Borussia Dortmund with an improved offer for centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos (fans can't wait for Martin Tyler to struggle with that one), according to Greek reports (h/t to Metro), with the player informing the German side he is keen on a move.Die Schwarzgelben previously rejected a 10.9 million offer, per Metro, but are expected to agree to the Gunners' new offer of 15.8 million.The Greek international was touted as one of the most talented young centre-backs in all of football, and Sergi Dominguez wasn't surprised when the German outfit turned down Arsenal's initial offer:The 26-year-old has the versatility to play both as a centre-back and right back, although his top position is clearly in the centre of a defence. Reports he's keen on the move are somewhat surprising, as Dortmund have steadily increased his minutes over the past 12 months.Papastathopoulos would likely be a backup with the Gunners, but if he believes in his ability to unseat one of the starters and Wenger can convince him Arsenal present a step up in class over Dortmund, he would provide valuable depth for the 2014-15 campaign.Follow @ReverschPassRead more World Football news on BleacherReport.com
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