Yohan Cabaye (£17m)
The remaining £17m will go on Newcastle playmaker Yohan Cabaye. The French midfielder, with his eye for a pass and occasional spectacular goal, has been a big hit in the Premier League since arriving from Lille for just £4million in 2011, and has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, PSG and Monaco at various points this summer.
It now seems, however, that Arsenal will make an increased bid for the 27-year-old, who sat out his side’s 4-0 opening day defeat to Manchester City upon hearing of Arsenal’s interest, after having an opening offer of £10million rejected by Newcastle. With Alan Pardew slamming the offer as insulting, the Magpies boss has said that his star player will only be allowed to leave for over £20million.
Although Arsenal are not in dire need of another creative midfield player, Wenger is a big fan of Cabaye and may even consider using him in Mikel Arteta’s position of deep-lying playmaker while the Spaniard is out injured. Cabaye could also be used further forward later in the season, allowing Santi Cazorla to play out wide, and also allowing the Gunners’ star player more rest over the course of the campaign.
Cabaye has told Newcastle that he is keen on joining Arsenal, as he is disappointed with the club’s fight against relegation last season. He has also expressed a desire to play Champions League football, and could sign in time to help the Gunners through their two-legged qualifying match with Turkish side Fenerbahce.
It is not yet clear if other interested clubs will come in with rival offers, as Manchester United are focusing on landing Marouane Fellaini from Everton, and PSG are targeting Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira.
Newcastle have been linked with Lyon’s Yoan Gourcuff and Blackpool starlet Tom Ince as possible replacements for Cabaye, though Pardew has expressed his concerns that he may not have enough time to bring anyone in before the transfer window closes.