What Arsenal’s starting lineup could look like at the end of the summer.
It has been a frustrating summer so far for Arsenal fans, with Arsene Wenger still to bring in any notable signings in this transfer window. Big names such as Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Luiz Gustavo have been on the agenda, but have all slipped through the net. With just over a week remaining to bring in some new faces, we look at what Arsenal’s starting lineup could look like if they succeed in bringing in some of their realistic targets in every position that is currently in need of strengthening.
Defence
Starting in goal, Arsenal have been linked with a surprising move for Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas, after the Spaniard was again left on the bench for the first game of the La Liga season. Although Arsenal fans would be in dreamland if Wenger could pull this signing off, there is a far more realistic and cheaper option closer to home with Queens Park Rangers’ Julio Cesar.
The Brazilian has been linked with the Gunners a few times since suffering relegation with Harry Redknapp’s side, and looks like one of the bargains of the summer waiting to happen.
Arsenal are also thought to be chasing Swansea City’s Ashley Williams as they look to tighten up at the back. After a poor defensive display in the team’s shock 3-1 opening day defeat at home to Aston Villa, Wenger has clearly decided he can’t rely on Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny for an entire season, particularly with backup Thomas Vermaelen struggling for fitness and confidence.
Williams could cost around £10million, but has been one of the Premier League’s most solid defenders over the last couple of seasons, and has admitted he is flattered by interest being shown in him by the Gunners.
Manchester City’s backup right-back Micah Richards is also being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, though with Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson, that position is probably suitably covered. Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal are also two good options to rotate at left-back.
Midfield
Arsenal still haven’t adequately replaced Alex Song since he left for Barcelona last summer, and failed in their attempts to bring in Mohamed Diame from West Ham in January. They are now facing a real crisis in their midfield engine room with Mikel Arteta out injured for six weeks, and are being strongly linked with a move for Sevilla starlet Geoffrey Kondogbia.
The 20-year-old Frenchman has a minimum release fee clause of around £17million, and although he is also a target for Monaco, Manchester United and Chelsea, Arsenal are hoping to move fast for this exciting talent, who could certainly shore up their midfield and provide better protection for their back four. Box-to-box player Jack Wilshere can continue alongside him as an able partner in the centre.
Further forward, Arsenal are hoping to land Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye to their attacking midfield. They have already had an opening offer of £10million for the Frenchman turned down, but are likely to come back with an increased bid for the creative playmaker.
Although this position is arguably not a priority for the club at the moment, they could do with better depth in this position due to the ageing and injury-prone Tomas Rosicky being arguably the only backup to Santi Cazorla. Cabaye’s presence could move Cazorla wide left, with Theo Walcott continuing as first choice on the right.
Attack
Spearheading the attack could be Spanish goal machine Michu. Another target currently playing for Swansea, the 27-year-old might well become Arsenal’s record signing if rumours of a £25million bid prove to be true. Michu only joined the Swans last summer for £2million, and could bring them a huge profit if he moves this year after an excellent debut season in the Premier League with 18 goals. The former Rayo Vallecano star also helped Michael Laudrup’s side to glory in the Capital One Cup, and perhaps he can be the player to finally fire Arsenal to silverware after an eight-year wait.
Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski had strong first seasons with Arsenal last year, and will likely rotate with Michu for the lone striker role in the team, with Podolski also able to play wide on the left.
