Arsene Wenger looks to bring in high-profile additions to the Emirates Stadium next week.
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Arsene Wenger is looking to step-up efforts to bring in a trio of high-profile signings and will hope to seal deals next week as he sets about conducting his summer spending early in the transfer window.
CaughtOffside understands that Arsenal boss Wenger wants to bring in additions early this summer so as to give his new signings time to bed into the Gunners squad, he is also keen to avoid the prospect of having to bring in last minute purchases and will stand firm on his commitment to prevent any major player sales.
Arsenal’s move to sign Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain is by all accounts very close to completion. The Argentine’s representatives have publicly stated that a move to the North London club is likely and the 25 year old’s Bernabeu employers have accepted an offer of £22m from the Premier League side.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had been reluctant to finalise any deal to sell Higuain until he had appointed a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho and having now brought in Carlo Ancelotti from PSG it is thought that a move is likely to be officially announced early next week.
Higuain is Arsene Wenger’s first choice target as he looks to bring in a proven prolific goal-scorer to help strengthen his Arsenal attack. The former River Plate man has scored 122 goals for Real Madrid, this despite the fact that for the past three seasons he has been something of a bit-part player at the Spanish side.
Wenger is said to be closing in on a deal to sign QPR keeper Julio Cesar, with the experienced Brazilian said to be keen to make a move from West to North London.
Loftus Road owner Tony Fernandes is keen to offload a number of his side’s big earners and it’s thought that Arsenal will snap up the former Inter Milan keeper for as little as £1.5m, which is seen by Wenger as a preferable option to pursuing his other goalkeeping target, Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic.
Cesar had a decent season last term, this despite his side’s relegation to the Championship. The 33 year old is expected to meet Arsenal official’s for talks over his personal terms next week following his involvement at the Confederations Cup.
Arsenal are also looking to seal a deal to sign Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, with Wenger readying a £22m bid that will trigger the Belgian’s release clause.
At which point the Toffees will then be powerless to prevent the midfield powerhouse from leaving Goodison Park though Wenger will have to hope that Arsenal can see off other interested parties.
Fellaini is adept at getting forward, and netted a dozen goals in all competitions last term, but it’s in a more defensive midfield role that Wenger may be looking to use the powerful Everton man.
Arsenal lack bite in the centre of the park and Fellaini has himself talked up the possibility of becoming a more defensively minded player.
Wenger has not adequately replaced Alex Song, who left for Barcelona last summer, and Abou Diaby continues to suffer with injuries and poor form whilst Mikel Arteta, who was used primarily in a holding role in 2012/13, would benefit from the presence of a tough midfield partner, who could also offer protection to the likes of Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla.
Fellaini has enjoyed five solid seasons at Everton, making 173 appearances for the Merseyside club, scoring 32 goals in the process.