Gunners to splash out on major squad overhaul.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to spend big to land his three main transfer targets this summer, with reports emerging that he could be set for a £68million move to bring in players for each key area of his squad.
After a highly disappointing opening day defeat at home to Aston Villa, it has become clearer than ever that Arsenal need reinforcements in almost every position, particularly as north London rivals Tottenham have made major investments to improving their team this summer, and currently look favourites to finally finish above Arsenal and break into the top four.
As current rumours that have been circulating suggest, Wenger will look to make raids on Swansea and Newcastle in a bid to save Arsenal’s season.
Michu (£22million)
Spanish striker Michu had a sensational first season in the Premier League last year, arriving as a relative unknown for just £2million before establishing himself as one of the deadliest finishers in the country. The 27-year-old scored 18 league goals for Michael Laudrup’s side, and a further four in the cup competitions, in which the Swans found great success with their Capital One Cup victory over Bradford City.
Needless to say, Michu’s form has attracted attention from a number of top clubs this summer, and he looks like a player made to be playing at the very top level. Atletico Madrid and Manchester City have been linked with him at points this summer, but with both those teams looking elsewhere to strengthen upfront, Arsenal now look like the frontrunners for his signature, though they have been told they will have to pay big to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
Initially Swansea ruled out selling Michu altogether, though they appear to have conceded defeat in their attempts to keep the star player, with Arsenal willing to pay a club record fee of £22million to sign him. The Gunners lacked a regular goal-scorer last season following the surprise sale of Robin van Persie to Manchester United, and while the likes of Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski settled well, Arsene Wenger has shown this summer that he wants more upfront, having missed out on big name targets such as Gonzalo Higuain and Luis Suarez.
Michu and Arsenal will discuss personal terms later this week, and it seems increasingly likely that the former Rayo Vallecano man will become the club’s much-anticipated marquee signing of the summer.
Swansea have already signed Wilfried Bony to replace Michu upfront, but could enter the market for another new striker with the profit from Michu’s sale, and are believed to be targeting Chelsea backup Demba Ba.
Ashley Williams (£12million)
With Aston Villa exploiting the gaping holes in Arsenal’s defence on Saturday, Wenger is keen to strengthen in that area as well, and is finally set to push through a deal to land a long-term target in Ashley Williams, completing a double raid on Swansea.
After having an opening offer of £6million rejected by the Swans, Arsenal were told they could land the club captain for double that amount. Wenger, normally reluctant to spend huge amounts, has conceded that he will have to be willing to invest this kind of money to land a player of this quality, and has given Arsenal the go-ahead to make an improved offer and match Swansea’s asking price of £12million.
Williams has been one of the most solid defenders in the league since winning promotion with the Welsh club in 2011, and has also been a great leader in captaining the side to glory in the Capital One Cup last season. His addition to Arsenal’s backline would be very useful indeed with continued doubts over the fitness and form of Thomas Vermaelen, and a lack of any other real alternatives to Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.
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.