The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Arsenal eye possible reinforcements.

The Gunners spent more than many expected last summer - most notably their club-record purchase of Nicolas Pepe - but were more reserved in January as they focused on bolstering their defensive options.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.

Saturday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:

Houssem Aouar 'Arsenal's number one target this summer'

Arsenal have identified Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar as their top transfer target heading into the new Premier League season, according to a report.

Despite securing the services of Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos on loan for a second season, the Gunners are supposedly eyeing up further midfield reinforcements including Aouar and Thomas Partey.

Aouar is contracted to Lyon until 2023 and would reportedly cost in the region of €60m (£55.4m) to prise him away from Lyon, but ESPN reports that Arsenal are determined to land the 22-year-old before the transfer window closes.

The report claims that Mikel Arteta wants to build his Arsenal side around Aouar and technical director Edu is in negotiations with Lyon regarding a potential move.

The Gunners previously offered out-of-favour midfielder Matteo Guendouzi as part of a deal for Aouar, but Lyon chief Juninho revealed that the Ligue 1 outfit had turned down that proposal.

Aouar registered nine goals and ten assists for Les Gones across all competitions during the 2019-20 campaign.

Barcelona considering loan bid for Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin?

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has reportedly emerged as a potential loan target for Barcelona.

Despite the financial restrictions in place at Camp Nou, the Catalan giants continue to be linked with a wide range of players ahead of the new season.

According to Marca, a reunion with former youth player Bellerin is now under consideration behind the scenes.

While the La Liga runners-up have options at right-back, the report suggests that they would prefer to cash in on Nelson Semedo over the coming weeks.

That would, in theory, free up the funds to push through a deal for Bellerin, either on a permanent or temporary basis.

Although three years still remain on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal may be open to parting ways with the long-serving Spaniard.

More transfer news from Arsenal:

Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez 'agrees terms with Aston Villa'
Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez reportedly agrees a four-year contract with Aston Villa having not received first-team assurances from manager Mikel Arteta. Read more.

Alexandre Lacazette "determined to stay" at Arsenal
Alexandre Lacazette voices his desire to remain at Arsenal amid speculation linking him with a move elsewhere. Read more.

Patson Daka 'turns down Tottenham Hotspur move'
Red Bull Salzburg forward Patson Daka reportedly has no interest in signing for Tottenham Hotspur this summer. Read more.

Thomas Tuchel rules out Paris Saint-Germain move for Arsenal's Matteo Guendouzi
Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel says that the Champions League runners-up will not be making an approach for Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi. Read more.

Mikel Arteta hints at imminent new Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang contract
The announcement of new deal for Pierre-Emerick Pierre Emerick Aubameyang is also understood to be imminent. Read more.