Five players Arsenal should sign with their £120m war chest.
Diego Costa – Atletico Madrid
It’s obvious that the Gunners are in desperate need of a striker, and not just one that will tide them over to provide support for Olivier Giroud, but an absolute monster capable of taking the Premier League by storm.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Costa since the summer, but so far Atletico have relented. However, they are now planning for life after the striker by sounding out a few targets of their own and all that remains to be seen is who the lucky club is that wins the race for his services.
Fabian Schar – FC Basel
Arsenal already have an established centre-back pairing, much to Thomas Vermaelen’s dismay. And it is the Belgian’s discontent that could force Wenger to move for a new central defender as he could be set to join up with Rafa Benitez at Napoli.
And should that be the case Arsenal will need a player to fill his gap, someone capable of fitting into the starting line up and keeping pressure on Koscielny and Mertesacker when not in the squad.
Schar is full of potential and a wise old head like Arsene Wenger will surely know what is best for his development should he make his way over to the Emirates.
Yann M’Vila – Rubin Kazan
The French international has long been rumoured to be on his way to England, only to see a widely tipped move to Liverpool fail to materialise, leading Arsenal to possibly capitalise on his dissatisfaction in Russia.
Arsenal still haven’t found themselves and out-and-out defensive midfielder since Alex Song, and though Mikel Arteta has done a capable job in a deeper midfield area his attributes could be best utilised elsewhere by allowing somebody born and bred in that position to take over.
Mario Mandzukic – Bayern Munich
The Croatian international is perhaps too good to be considered as a contingency plan for the club’s failed efforts for Costa, but the fact is that the Spanish-Brazilian goal ace is going to be highly in demand and just in case they miss out they will need someone just as able to find the back of the net on a regular basis.
Mandzukic’s goals forced Mario Gomez out of the club, and with Robert Lewandowski coming in the summer there may be limited space for him within the starting XI, meaning a big money move will almost definitely be on the cards.
Lukasz Piszczek – Borussia Dortmund
The Polish international is an oft-overlooked unsung hero of a talented Dortmund side, and has been quietly going about his business as part of the club’s back four.
With Bacary Sagna’s future still uncertain, Wenger will be looking for somebody just as good to take over. Frequently bombing down the wing to help attack and aide the defence, his signature wouldn’t come cheap, but should they decide to press ahead with a move he would certainly prove that he would be worth the outlay.