Arsenal transfer news: Ivan Gazidis claims club ARE 'deep in conversations' to bring in new players this summer

Gunners' chief executive claims that the club will spend in the summer but only on the right players after being linked with Fabregas, Aurier, Morata and Balotelli

Arsenal's chief executive Ivan Gazidis at the launch of Puma's £150m kit deal (David Price/Getty Images)

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has revealed that the club are “deep in conversations” to bring in new players this summer, and some could still arrive before the World Cup begins next week.

Arsene Wenger is looking to strengthen his squad and build on the FA Cup success that saw the Gunners end their nine-year trophy drought last month, with moves for both defenders and striker likely as well as a second-choice goalkeeper.

As a result, Arsenal have been linked with a number of transfer targets including former captain Cesc Fabregas, with the Spaniard set to leave Barcelona three years after the Catalans succeeded in their lengthy pursuit of the hometown midfielder.

Other players linked with a move to the Emirates include Toulouse right-back Serge Aurier – with Bacary Sagna currently in talks to join Manchester City – and Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, although the Spain Under-21 international has been quoted in Spain as seeking a move to Italian champions Juventus.

AC Milan’s controversial striker Mario Balotelli has also been linked with a £30m move back to the Premier League after reports suggested the Rossoneri offer the former Manchester City star to Arsenal – owner Silvio Berlusconi admitted that his future with the seven-time European Cup winners is unclear earlier this week.

But with Arsenal yet to make their first move with the transfer window set to open at the end of the month, Gazidis has spoken to allay fears that fans of the club would suffer another agonisingly quiet summer, with the chief executive confirming they are pressing forward with new signings.

“Transfers are obviously important and we are deep in conversations already. I am confident we will add what we need this summer,” said Gazidis.

“The manager is not scared to spend, has the experience, but as always will have to juggle a set budget.

“We are all really pleased with securing Champions League qualification again. Last season was a great experience for players to win the FA Cup and now we want more.”

Gazidis also praised Wenger after the Frenchman signed a new contract last week to extend his stay with the club until 2017, claiming that the 64-year-old Frenchman was irreplaceable given his legacy with the club.

He added: “Arsene is impossible to replace. He has given us the footballing philosophy we have now.

“Arsene's legacy is based on him wanting to take Arsenal to the next level, and everything he did and still does is for the future of the club.”