Arsenal Star to Snub Barcelona and Bayern Munich - Report

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny will refuse offers from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, to remain at the Emirates. The Sun believes the French international has told Arsene Wenger he will remain in north London for the new season.

The Spanish and German champions were strongly linked with moves for the Gunners star in earlier weeks, with reports indicating he was expected to replace either the Catalans' captain, Carlos Puyol, or form the core of a new-look defence at the Allianz Arena, under incoming (and former Barcelona) manager Pep Guardiola.

According to The Sun, both clubs were preparing £15m bids for the 27-year-old, who arrived at the Emirates three years ago for £8.5m. Koscielny's commitment will be a shot in the arm for Wenger, who is struggling to make inroads in the summer transfer market, despite a reported £70m war chest.

And Wenger faces pressure to perform in the market, from his players as well as fans. Koscielny, for example, has urged his manager to spend big in the market and re-establish the team as Premier League title challengers

The good news is that the Mail Online believes Arsenal are closing in on Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain. At a reported £22m, the Argentina international represents a club record signing. The previous record was Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin, who signed for £15m in 2009. Higuain will reportedly be offered £150,000 per week. The report also links them to £10m midfielder Asier Illarramendi.

Meanwhile, in more good news for Arsenal fans, right-back Bacary Sagna has reportedly also committed himself to Wenger for the new season. The 30-year-old is out of contract next season and was linked to Ligue 1 clubs Paris St Germain (PSG) and AS Monaco. However, it is believed he will now sign a 12-month extension.

Finally, The Sun also believes Wenger is prepared to let club captain Thomas Vermaelen leave, with Barcelona, Premier League champions Manchester United and Napoli reportedly interested. The Belgian is contracted to the club till 2015 so it will take a sizeable bid to push the deal through, although with Wenger also targeting Swansea City's Ashley Williams, a bargain price for Vermaelen may be possible.