Betting.Betfair

Arsenal's first-team squad return to training this Monday but with question marks over several key players' futures and no major acquisitions occurring so far, the way they will line up for their opening Premier League fixture away at Newcastle remains something of a mystery.

Sky Sports are focussing on the prospect of Monday's pre-season session being one of the last at the London Colney training ground for the likes of Cesc Fabregas [1.34 to leave] and Samir Nasri [1.57], though having spent plenty of time speculating over that, it is time to look at potential new arrivals.

The Daily Mirror claim that Arsene Wenger has set his sights on Wolves striker Kevin Doyle and is ready to offer £12 million for the Republic of Ireland international, who impressed the Gunners boss when he was analysing their infamous World Cup play-off against France for French television.

The fee mentioned would appear rather hefty for a forward that has hit double figures in just one of his four Premier League campaigns to date, however the Mirror believe that Wenger has decided to build a "team that will have a British (sic) spine" also featuring Gary Cahill and Scott Parker.

Those Doyle rumours follow the Mirror's reports on Sunday that Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing had emerged as a shock target, with Arsenal supposedly prepared to rival Liverpool for his signature.

The 26-year-old won player of the year honours at Villa Park in a poor season for the club before admitting a reluctance to commit his future to them, yet would cost an estimated £20 million to lure away. His capture would further damage the chances of Andrey Arshavin seeing regular action, with the Russia captain 2.02 to exit.

Arsenal are still 9.8 fourth favourites for the title ahead of ambitious Liverpool [12.5] and miles clear of north London rivals Tottenham [50.0] despite the predictions of major upheaval, while odds of 32.0 are offered on them winning the Champions League for the first time.

For more football betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/football/