Gunners set for summer overhaul…
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Arsenal’s season is coming undone in front of the frustrated supporters’ faces. When they competing for the title and still in the Champions League a few months ago, they’re now battling for fourth spot with Everton, and could possibly be playing Europa League football next season…
If this happens, their current transfer targets may have to change – but as it is, here’s five players the Gunners could try and target to improve the current batch.
5) Serge Aurier – Toulouse (Sky Sports)
The Ivorian is equally comfortable at right-back and centre-half, and recently stated that it would be any player’s dream to play for Arsenal. We expect him to be brought in as the long-term replacement for Bacary Sagna, who’s expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
4) Josip Drmic – Nurnberg (The Daily Mail)
The 21-year-old Swiss plays on the right wing for Nurnberg, and has scored 16 Bundesliga goals this season already. He’s quick, tall, and an outstanding finisher. He would provide the Gunners with genuine pace and finishing ability in the final third, and would no doubt be keen on leaving the relegation battlers to join an elite European club.
3) Lars Bender – Bayer Leverkusen (Daily Mail)
In recent weeks, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini have shown they lack the combination of technical ability and endless work-rate to dominate the midfield against the top teams. Bender is excellent on the ball, but is equally as ferocious in the tackle. Expect to see him in the World Cup for Germany this summer, but potentially in the Premier League next term for the Gunners as well.
2) Julian Draxler – Schalke (The Metro)
The prodigal German wonderkid is exceptionally quick, and would provide Arsenal with genuine pace on the left, which would help Mesut Ozil in the no.10 position. This way, Ozil would have a fit again Theo Walcott and Draxler to send to the byline, thus increasing his effectiveness. Draxler can dribble, beat a defender, and assist teammates due to his excellent vision – but Arsenal would expect to pay a huge fee for his services.
1) Mario Mandzukic – Bayern Munich (The Metro)
Arsenal badly, badly need a proven top notch forward. Nicklas Bendtner is leaving when his contract expires, Yaya Sanogo has not scored a goal yet, and serious questions are being consistently raised about the long-term suitability of Olivier Giroud. Mandzukic could be available, as Robert Lewnadowski is joining Bayern in the summer. He’d cost big money, but he’d be worth it. The Croatian can hold the ball up, score with either foot, and is brilliant in the air.
