Mohamed Diame (West Ham)
A cheaper option for Arsenal may be West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame. The Gunners were said to be in for him in January, and they are likely to consider him again this summer as he has a minimum release fee clause of just £3.5million. Tottenham were also chasing the Senegalese international, but the lure of Champions League football should swing this deal in the Gunners’ favour. Diame’s lower price and Premier League experience may make him a slightly preferable option over Toulouse’s Etienne Capoue, though either would be an excellent addition to the team’s defensive midfield department. The Hammers will be keen to keep him and offer him a new contract to avoid losing such a key player on the cheap, but he is reported to have turned down an offer from the club when hearing of Arsenal’s interest in January, so it’s obvious he is flattered by the interest being shown in him. This strong defensive-minded midfielder has also shown a good eye for goal, netting some impressive finishes against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as Arsenal themselves, at Upton Park this season – a useful bonus, no doubt.