Transfer Talk: Shaw, Cazorla, Fletcher, Cavani, Guidetti, Cole

All the transfer news and gossip you need to know from the last 24 hours... 

Arsenal are ready to swoop for Southampton starlet Luke Shaw, but the south coast club will not give the full-back up easily. Southampton have sold Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to the Gunners in recent years, as well as letting Gareth Bale sign for Spurs, and Shaw is rated up there with the esteemed trio. Only 17, he is hoping to play a part for Southampton this coming season, featuring against Ajax in a friendly at the weekend. Chelsea had a £4 million bid rejected earlier this summer and Southampton would hope to get a fee at least double that. With Arsenal having Kieran Gibbs and Andre Santos competing for the left-back berth, it may be better for Shaw to stay where he is, and now the Saints are back in the Premier League, there is less pressure on them to sell.

Another player Arsenal are hoping to clinch a deal for is Malaga midfielder Santi Cazorla. The Mail reported at the weekend that Arsene Wenger believes a deal can be wrapped up by Tuesday. This is because of a deadline imposed by the Spanish authorities for Malaga to clear their debts by the end of the month. If the club's owners cannot stump up the cash themselves then a sale of star midfielder Cazorla should bring in at least £15 million. Tottenham are also interested in Cazorla, one of Spain's most talented midfielders. Selling off their star man may be seen as a last resort for Malaga, but as time ticks down their situation is looking more and more dicey.

The Express report that Manchester City are keen to land Edinson Cavani, who is currently in the country on Olympic duty with Uruguay. The Napoli striker has also been linked with a move to Chelsea, but last week said he had no desire to leave Naples. The striker is one of Europe's most feared goalscorers, but Napoli a fortnight ago said they want £78 million to sign him. We're not so sure how much there is in the Cavani to City story, seeing as Roberto Mancini is having trouble bidding for Robin van Persie, thanks to the overpaid and unwanted strikers on the club's books.

One Manchester City striker who feels he is wanted is John Guidetti. The Star report that Lazio could even make a bid to sign the Swede for £7 million, adding that while Roberto Mancini is reluctant to sell, he is not yet able to offer him regular football. A loan move would be the best solution, with Sunderland previously linked. Guidetti scored 20 in 23 on loan at Feyenoord next season, and wherever he ends up he wants to play regularly.

The Mirror report that Sunderland have made a bid for Wolves striker Steven Fletcher. The exact figure of their offer is unknown, but it is known that Wolves want £10 million for the striker they paid £7 million for two seasons ago. The 25-year-old scored 12 goals in 26 starts in the Premier League last season, and Sunderland need a striker after seeing Asamoah Gyan depart and Nicklas Bendtner will not return.

And finally, here's our take on the story reported by the Metro and the Mirror that Ashley Cole is a target for Manchester United. Would Chelsea really sell him despite him having just one year left on his contract? They didn't with Drogba, and then there is the 'choc-ice' fiasco to complicate matters. We don't see this one happening. 

image: © mischatuffield

Dan Coombs

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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.

As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.

He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.