The buildup to 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 during the 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.

Thursday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:

Arsenal register interest in Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish?

Arsenal have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish.

Having contributed eight goals and six assists on the way to helping Villa remain in the Premier League, Grealish is being heavily linked with a switch to Manchester United.

According to Sky Sports News, Arsenal have also made enquiries with regards to the availability of the Englishman.

However, the report adds that the Gunners were quickly put off by Villa's valuation, said to be in the region of £80m.

That stance allegedly leaves it increasingly likely that the 24-year-old will spend at least another season in the West Midlands.

Grealish still has three years remaining on his contract.

Arsenal consider Amadou Diawara as Thomas Partey alternative?

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Roma midfielder Amadou Diawara as an alternative to Thomas Partey should they miss out on the Atletico Madrid star.

The Gunners are rumoured to have already had two bids knocked back for Partey, who Atletico are refusing to sell for anything less than his €50m (£45.23m) release clause.

Mikel Arteta may be forced to look elsewhere for a new holding midfielder and, according to AS Roma Live, Diawara is now under consideration.

The 23-year-old joined Roma from Napoli last year and has started 21 Serie A games for the Giallorossi this term.

Arsenal are supposedly preparing an initial offer of €25m (£22.62m) for Guinea international Diawara to test Roma's resolve.

However, the North London outfit may face competition from Premier League rivals Leicester City for Diawara's signature.

More transfer news from Arsenal:

Manchester United 'join five-team race to sign Gabriel Magalhaes'
Manchester United are reportedly keeping close tabs on Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who has also been linked with Arsenal, Everton, Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli. Read more.