Transfers: Arsenal close in on £21million signing of Chile star Arturo Vidal

Just the type of player the Gunners have been crying out for

Arsenal's search for a world-class combative midfielder could be over with Chilean newspaper La Stampa reporting that the club have agreed a £21million deal for Juventus star Arturo Vidal. The midfielder was a target for Manchester United last summer, but the Red Devils' interest has cooled despite Vidal's impressive performances during Juve's run to the Champions League final. Reports suggest the Gunners deal could be announced as soon as this week. Aston Villa could be forced to let star midfielder Fabian Delph leave the club for as little as £8million. As part of the new contract the England man signed in January, a release clause was inserted to allow Delph depart for that amount to any club involved in European competition. The 25-year-old is the subject of interest from Manchester City as they continue to bolster their homegrown player contingent following the departure of James Milner, with a third bid for Liverpool attacker Raheem Sterling also in the offing. (Telegraph) City are also ready to jump in with a €100million offer for Paul Pogba once the player gives them the nod. The France midfielder is known to favour a move to Barcelona, but with the Catalans serving a transfer ban until January, the promise of a £240,000-a-week could sway him in City's direction. (Mirror) Another day, another Liverpool transfer target. Despite their glaring need for a striker, Brendan Rodgers seems determined to keep adding midfielders and defenders to what is fast becoming a bloated squad. The Reds boss has returned to Real Madrid with an improved £15million bid for out-of-favour Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi who, while undoubtedly a fine signing, adds to a midfield jam that includes James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva, Emre Can and Joe Allen already fighting over what would seem to be just two spots in the starting XI. Rodgers also has his eye on FC Copenhagen left-back Ludwig Augustinsson, who is currently starring for Sweden in the European Under-21 Championships in the Czech Republic. (Mirror) Stewart Downing's descent from first-choice England winger to Premier League journeyman looks set to continue as Leicester City prepare to lodge a £7million bid for the West Ham player. (Telegraph)