Three players who could leave and three that could come in at the Emirates Stadium before the end of the transfer window.
Arsene Wenger will still be hoping to wrap up some deals to strengthen Arsenal’s challenge for silverware this season, and seems likely to continue selling unwanted players to raise the cash to do so. So far, the likes of Andrey Arshavin, Sebastien Squillaci, Denilson and Gervinho have left the club, and here is a look at more movement that could go on this month before the transfer window closes in September.
Out: Marouane Chamakh
The Moroccan striker has been a spectacular flop in his time at Arsenal, and a deal for him to join newly-promoted side Crystal Palace looks very close to completion. The Gunners have struggled all summer to offload the misfiring 29-year-old, who has scored just three goals in the last two seasons.
Life in England had started a little more promisingly for Chamakh, who looked an astute free transfer from Bordeaux in his first few months at Arsenal. Having been one of the best players in the French league and Champions League the previous year, he found the back of the net 10 times for Wenger’s side in the first half of the 2010/11 season, though from that point onwards his confidence and form dropped dramatically.
It is hard to see what he could bring even to a side like Palace at this stage, but Arsenal fans will certainly be hoping that Ian Holloway is willing to take a gamble on him so he can finally be off the books at the Emirates.
Out: Emmanuel Frimpong
There seems little hope that young midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has a future at Arsenal. Although the confident 21-year-old was once considered one of the best young talents coming through the ranks at the club, a string of injuries have rather halted his progress, and he now faces far too much in the way of top quality competition ahead of him at the Emirates Stadium.
In truth, despite his talent, his attitude off the pitch is also somewhat questionable, as he often seems more focused on earning a reputation as something of a celebrity personality through his Twitter account and release of his personal clothing range, than on his football career.
He has had loan spells at Wolves and Fulham in recent times, and it is thought that Martin Jol might look to make a permanent move for the Ghanian before the end of the summer.
Out: Nicklas Bendtner
Remarkably, Nicklas Bendtner is still an Arsenal player, despite not making an appearance for them since 2011. The Danish international has never managed to live up to his potential, or his own hype, looking far from the best striker in the league as he himself as often claimed he would become. He has endured failed loan spells at Sunderland and Juventus, and is thought to have rejected offers from several Bundesliga clubs this summer, hoping for higher wages or that offers from bigger teams will come in.
This troublesome personality is certainly one Arsenal could do without, and he will surely be released if no suitable offer comes in for him.
In: Luis Suarez
Arsenal have surprised the footballing world with their high-profile pursuit of Liverpool star Luis Suarez. Having already had a record bid of over £40million rejected, it is thought that the Gunners will continue with their pursuit of the Uruguayan striker. A star attacker seems a high priority for Arsene Wenger this summer, and he will be determined to bring someone in after missing out on Gonzalo Higuain to Napoli, though Liverpool are understandably standing firm and refusing to consider selling such a big name to one of their rivals.
However, they have done it before with the £50million sale of Fernando Torres to Chelsea, so a move could happen if Arsenal are willing to pay up. With Suarez’s relationship with Liverpool looking increasingly sour, it is hard to imagine him staying at Anfield now, though it also wouldn’t be surprising to see other clubs enter the chase for one of the Premier League’s outstanding talents. Although Real Madrid have their sights set firmly on Gareth Bale, they could consider a move for the Uruguayan if they fail to meet Tottenham’s demands.
In: Luiz Gustavo
Reports in the last 24 hours suggest that Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo. At £14million, this talented midfielder would be something of a bargain for the Gunners. Although he has struggled to establish himself as first choice in Bayern’s star-studded midfield, he is undoubtedly a top talent who could add something extra to Wenger’s current midfield options.
The club have been lacking a true defensive midfielder since the sale of Alex Song to Barcelona last summer, with Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey playing in the unfamiliar role all too often, leaving the team a little weak in the middle of the park.
In: Ilkay Gundogan
Although Arsenal could arguably also do with improving their defence and goalkeeper, midfield and attack seem to be the main areas of interest for Wenger this summer, and it is thought that the Frenchman is also considering bringing in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. The young German would be a decent alternative to Luiz Gustavo, though he would surely be more expensive after his eye-catching displays for the Champions League finalists last season, which saw him linked also with the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona.
His defensive work in midfield would be of tremendous value to Arsenal, and his eye for a pass and ability go contribute going forward would also perfectly suit their style of play. It remains to be seen, however, if he would accept the move, as Dortmund have been far more successful than Arsenal in recent times, while the Bundesliga is also on the up, as evidenced by last season’s all-German Champions League final, so the lure of playing in the Premier League might not be as strong now as it once was.