Ten transfer targets for the Gunners as the summer draws to a close.
It has been a frustrating summer so far for Arsenal fans who’d hoped this might finally be the year that Arsene Wenger dips into his significant transfer kitty to strengthen his squad to challenge for silverware. With not long left in the transfer window, only youngster Yaya Sanogo has been brought in from Auxerre, and a number of big-name targets have slipped away. Wenger is still on the lookout for new players though, and with reinforcements needed in almost every area of the Gunners’ squad, there are plenty of potential signings that could still go through before the transfer window slams shut.
10. Vicente Guaita (Valencia)
Arsenal could definitely do with a more reliable number one than Wojciech Szczesny. The Polish goalkeeper found himself dropped to the bench by Arsene Wenger last season before an injury to Lukasz Fabianski forced him back into action. After a questionable display in the shock 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on the opening day of this season, the doubts are still there about the 23-year-old’s ability and mentality, leading several new shot stoppers to be linked with the Gunners.
One is Valencia’s Vicente Guaita, a 26-year-old Spaniard who is not necessarily even the La Liga side’s established first choice. Still, they reportedly want around £25million for him, and are highly reluctant to let him leave at all. It is not like Wenger to pay big money for a goalkeeper, and there certainly could be cheaper options out there for the Arsenal boss.
9. Adil Rami (Valencia)
Another raid on Valencia could come if Arsenal step up their interest in their French centre-back Adil Rami. The likes of Manchester United and Manchester City have been said to be watching him this summer, and Arsenal are also believed to be admirers of his talents. The 27-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most solid and consistent central defenders in the Spanish top flight and could be a useful addition to this wobbly Arsenal backline. Although Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker have formed a decent partnership over the last few months, there is a lack of obvious backup with Thomas Vermaelen seemingly dropped by Arsene Wenger after some poor displays last year, and only Bacary Sagna available as a makeshift option.
Rami is keen to make a move to a bigger club this summer to cement his place in France’s World Cup squad for next summer, and may feel he has a good chance of establishing himself as first choice at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal will also be hard pushed to find a better bargain, as Rami could be available for as little as £7.75million.
8. Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers)
One of the most surprising aspects of this summer’s transfer window is that Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar has still not been snapped up. The Brazil international was one of the club’s few consistent performers in their surprising relegation campaign last season, and is definitely far too good to be playing in the Championship. Arsenal have been linked as his main suitors at various points this summer, though a move has failed to materialise as they consider other options. Benfica and Fiorentina have also reportedly come close to signing him, though again he has remained at Loftus Road.
The 33-year-old would be a great short-term option for Arsenal as they allow Szczesny more time to develop, perhaps with a loan spell at another Premier League side, and he would certainly be another potential bargain for Wenger, who could possibly get him for as little as £3.5million as QPR look to offload their highest earners.
7. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Arsenal could be in with a real chance of snapping up legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas, after he continues to be left out of the Real Madrid starting lineup. The Spaniard was first dropped last season after a dispute with the club’s former manager Jose Mourinho, and surprisingly he has remained out of favour with new boss Carlo Ancelotti, starting the club’s first two league games of this season watching from the bench.
This has led to speculation that the 32-year-old could end his long and glorious association with Real Madrid, having spent his entire career at the club and establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and even of all time. He would likely cost around £15million, but his experience and winning mentality could be a huge addition to Arsenal’s young squad as they look to finally end their eight-year wait for silverware. As with Cesar, he may only be a short-term option, but with Szczesny still not looking ready to be number one, this could be ideal for the Gunners and their current problems in that position. Unsurprisingly though, as Casillas remains one of the biggest names in world football, Arsenal would probably face competition from the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea for the World Cup winner’s signature.
6. Ashley Williams (Swansea City)
Another option at the back for Arsenal could be Swansea’s Ashley Williams. The 29-year-old has been a solid and reliable performer since the Swans gained promotion to the Premier League in 2011, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him do well at a bigger club. Liverpool have also shown an interest in him, but Arsenal’s need for a new centre-back is arguably greater, and they seem to currently be leading the chase for the Welshman’s signature.
5. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle)
Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to sign Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye. The talented playmaker has been a star player for Alan Pardew’s side since he joined the club from Lille in 2011, attracting interest from the likes of PSG and Manchester United as well this summer. There’s no doubt the 27-year-old would fit in perfectly to Arsenal’s attacking and technical style of play, but they have been told by Newcastle that they will have to come back with an offer closer to £20million, after having an opening bid of just over £10million rejected by the Magpies. Another attacking midfielder doesn’t exactly seem like Arsenal’s most pressing need, but extra depth and quality is always useful, and would help prevent the burnout of players such as Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla.
4. Michu (Swansea)
After a highly prolific first season in English football, it is no surprise to see Swansea striker Michu being linked with a move away. Arsenal may be willing to pay as much as £25million for the Spaniard, as they look for extra competition for Olivier Giroud upfront. Wenger may have missed out on bigger names such as Gonzalo Higuain and Luis Suarez, but Michu has shown what a top player he can be, and he would surely only improve in a side that creates as many chances as Arsenal. Swansea won’t want to lose both Williams and Michu, but the addition of these two players from the Welsh side would be good business by the Gunners.
3. Paul Pogba (Juventus)
After failing to make the breakthrough at Manchester United, Paul Pogba’s career has really taken off in Serie A with Juventus. The powerful young midfielder has become a key player for Antonio Conte’s side, helping them to the title last year and looking to establish himself as first choice in a vastly talented midfield. The 20-year-old’s fine form has seen him linked with a return to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester City both targeting him at points this summer. Pogba could be a great addition to an Arsenal midfield that often lacks a bit of bite and physical presence. Able to both break up play and bring the team forward, scoring the occasional long-range screamer, Pogba could take this league by storm if given the chance, though Juventus are understandably keen not to sell.
2. Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)
With Gareth Bale closing in on a move to Real Madrid, Angel Di Maria’s place in the side could be under threat, and this has led to interest from both Arsenal and Manchester United. The talented Argentine winger has been a key player for the Spanish giants since joining from Benfica in 2010, and his dribbling, crossing and shooting skills would give Arsenal something a little different in the wide areas. He would no doubt be expensive, but some rumours suggest that Wenger is willing to pay big money to land this talented attacker, who would certainly be the marquee signing the Emirates crowd are craving.
1. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
After failing to sign Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid earlier in the summer, Arsenal could look to the Bernabeu side yet again as they track French striker Karim Benzema. The 25-year-old is a lethal finisher at his best, capable of finding the back of the net from almost any distance or angle, and would certainly give Arsenal a true world class replacement for Robin van Persie. Benzema’s agent has reportedly ruled out a move to the Gunners, but with Real still keen on signing Luis Suarez from Liverpool, there may not be a place in the side for the Frenchman. He would almost definitely cost close to £40million and become Arsenal’s record signing, but it would be one of the stories of the summer if Wenger could pull it off.