The top ten Arsenal transfer targets of the January transfer window.
10. Michu – Swansea City
A player of undoubted quality and one that is proven at Premier League level. Now a full Spanish international, he will likely cost the Gunners a lot more than the £2m that Swansea initially paid for him. However, he would be worth every penny as he would be able to play up front and fill in behind the strikers when needed.
Source: Mirror
9. Ilkay Gundogan – Borussia Dortmund
In all likelihood, the 23-year-old will be heading to England sooner or later. Though he has been linked with a move to Manchester United, it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that Arsenal are probably the more attractive offer at the moment as they continue to head the table as the season edges into the midway point.
Source: Daily Star
8. Lars Bender – Bayer Leverkusen
Although Arsenal made one of the most shrewd signings over the summer by bringing Matthieu Flamini back to the club, they still have room for another world class defensive midfielder capable of both protecting the back four and starting attacks from deeper midfield positions.
He would fit into Arsenal’s system comfortably after making himself one of the best middle players that the Bundesliga has to offer.
Source: Daily Mail
7. Javier Hernandez – Manchester United
There’s one thing that isn’t in dispute and that is Hernandez’s ability in front of goal, but he has struggled for game time at Old Trafford this season and with Arsenal’s over reliance on Olivier Giroud, the Mexican could be just what the club needs.
Concerned by his lack of opportunities during a World Cup year, a move will very much be on his mind come the new year and the possibility of staying in the Premier League, where he is already established, will surely appeal.
Source: Daily Mail
6. Fabian Schar – FC Basel
The young defender’s performances in the Champions League this season have caught the eye of a number of top European clubs and the Gunners would do well to move for him should Thomas Vermaelen decide to leave.
Another player that Wenger could pick up, turn into a world class star before moving on for triple the price in years to come.
Source: Metro
5. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
Contrasted to Hernandez, in Benzema Arsenal will get a world class striker capable of winning them the league, which many pundits have already given their backing to. The Frenchman’s future seemed to be in doubt earlier in the season, but he has pulled himself out of the funk and is once again firing on all cylinders. If Wenger can convince the club to sell he’ll be on to a winner.
Source: Telegraph
4. Youssouf Mulumbu – West Bromwich Albion
The Baggies midfielder has been in fine form over the last two years and has recognised this by claiming that he is on the lookout for a move to a bigger, and ‘classier’ club in the new year.
Source: Metro
3. Diego – Wolfsburg
The Brazilian is coming to the end of his contract in Germany and has recently spoke about the possibility of joining the Gunners in the summer. Would add some vital experience in Arsene Wenger’s attack.
Source: Metro
2. Julian Draxler – Schalke
It’s likely that the starlet will be on the move soon and the Gunners have been credited as favourites.
Source: Mirror
1. Diego Costa – Atletico Madrid
Clubs have been alerted to the naturalised Spaniard’s availability after it emerged that he had a release clause in his deal set at just £20m. Arsene Wenger won’t want to miss what could be an absolute bargain.
Source: Express