Arsenal Midfield Target Coy over Summer Move

Celtic's South Korea international Ki Sung-Yeung has distanced himself from rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal this summer, claiming he has yet to decide on his future. The 23-year-old enjoys a good reputation after three strong years at the Scottish giants and has reportedly been on the Gunners' radar for the past couple of weeks, after good performances for his country at the men's football event in the London Olympics 2012.

"I'm not sure, I haven't heard anything about that. I just need some rest now and to spend some time with my family, and then I will think about my future," Goal.com quoted Ki as saying.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports that Spanish club Atletico Madrid have also joined the race for the midfielder's signature and are preparing a £6m offer for the player likened by his home press to Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

Arsene Wenger has also been linked to Ki's club team-mate Victor Wanyama and Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin, as the north London outfit look to shore up midfield options in the light of Catalan giants Barcelona being linked with Cameroon international Alex Song.

Parlour: Good Times Ahead

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has said he is optimistic about the Gunners' new season, given that Wenger has made what he called smart signings. The Frenchman has added Germany forward Lukas Podolski, Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla and France striker Olivier Giroud to Arsenal's ranks and Parlour believes the trio will make an impact in England.

"Optimistic again. They have brought some good players in. Podolski is very experienced, I like the signing of Cazorla as well - I think he can bring something different to that midfield, I mean a little bit more attack-minded. Giroud had a great season in the French league last year - I know the Premier League is a little bit tougher than the French league - but maybe he can step up, he's got the physique, so hopefully he can bang a few goals in. So I've been quite impressed with the signings they've made so far. Maybe there's one or two others can come in as well," Sky Sports quoted Parlour as saying.

Arsenal will begin the new season by welcoming Sunderland to the Emirates on 18 August.