Arsenal in for free agent World Cup defender plus other transfer news

Huntelaar could have moved to Arsenal if reports are to be believed

The transfer window has slammed shut but that doesn't stop the media talking, Alex Johnson rounds up what they are saying today.

Arsenal are set to offer Colombian defender Mario Yepes a short-term deal, according the Daily Mirror.

The Gunners had hoped to sign a new centre-back in the summer transfer window but after failing in bids for Daniel Agger and Kostas Manolas, have now turned their attentions to Yepes.

The 38-year-old, who captained Colombia at this summer's World Cup, is available on a free after leaving Atalanta at the end of last season and the newspaper reports Arsenal are lining up a short-term deal.

Meanwhile Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has denied claims Arsenal made a last-minute bid to sign striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

German newspaper Junge Weltwere said the north London club activated the Dutch striker's release clause before the 11pm deadline on September 1 before opting to sign Danny Welbeck instead.

But the London Evening Standard quotes Heldt as saying there was 'no approach' from any team for Huntelaar this summer.

Elsewhere, Newcastle youngster Rolando Aarons has emerged as a target for Manchester City and Liverpool after playing just 50 minutes of Premier League football.

The 18-year-old winger, signed from Bristol City in 2012, made an impressive debut for Alan Pardew's side in the season-opening defeat to City and also made a substitute appearance in the 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace.

The Daily Star believes City and Liverpool are now keeping tabs on the youngster, who has been compared to Raheem Sterling.

Victor Valdes is expected to join Liverpool on a free transfer next month once he is fit enough for a medical, according to the Daily Mail.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper was set to sign for Monaco this summer but the French club pulled out over concerns regarding his cruciate ligament injury.

The ex-Barcelona stopper is now hoping to push through a move to Liverpool where he will provide competition to Simon Mignolet, although the Reds will need permission from the Premier League to register him in their 25-man squad before January.

A host of top Premier League clubs have been put on alert after PSV youngster Zakaria Bakkali turned down a new contract with the club.

The 18-year-old winger, who became the youngest player to score an Eredivisie hat-trick last season, is out of contract next summer and the Daily Express believes PSV could be forced to cash in on him when the transfer window reopens, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United all interested.

However they will face competition from Spanish champions Atletico Madrid and German giants Borussia Dortmund for Bakkali's signature.