Gunners boss eyes four French stars.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could make efforts to bring in as many as four members of the French national team that are currently on show at this summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil, with a number of big names linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium in recent months.
The Gunners are known to be in the market for a new striker, while Bacary Sagna’s departure on a free transfer to Manchester City also leaves the side short at right-back, and Wenger appears ready to go the tried and tested route by signing players he knows well from his native France.
Three of the players are based in the Premier League, and one of those could be the next of many that makes an exit from Southampton this summer.
4) Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)
After climbing up the Football League with Southampton, Morgan Schneiderlin is now one of the most accomplished defensive midfielders in the Premier League, and has earned himself a squad player role in France’s squad for the 2014 World Cup. Although the 24-year-old only has one cap to his name and has not yet featured at the tournament itself so far this summer, it is no surprise to see him linked with the likes of Arsenal. Inter Milan have also shown an interest in Schneiderlin, but the Gunners would do well to bring in a long-term replacement for the ageing pair of Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini, whilst also signing a midfielder that combines the best qualities of both those players, with a strong commitment to his defensive duties as well as good composure and creativity on the ball.
3) Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)
One of France’s goal heroes from Friday night’s 5-2 thrashing of Switzerland in Group E, Marseille playmaker Mathieu Valbuena is another big name from Les Bleus’ squad that could be on the move in this summer’s transfer window. The 29-year-old has had a long and distinguished career in Ligue 1, becoming widely regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the French top flight, and attracting interest from bigger clubs on numerous occasions. Arsenal are among those interested in signing him this summer, and could be particularly keen to step up their interest in the player if one of their key attacking players Santi Cazorla leaves the Emirates Stadium. Valencia and Liverpool are also in the running to snap him up, but Arsene Wenger will be hoping to convince his fellow countryman to join him in north London.
2) Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United)
With Sagna leaving a gaping hole on the right-hand side of Arsenal’s defence, Newcastle right-back Mathieu Debuchy could be an ideal candidate to come in and replace his international colleague. The 28-year-old has been linked with the Gunners in the past after starring for Lille in Ligue 1 for many years, and is also reportedly a target for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich this summer. Debuchy has established himself well in the Premier League for Newcastle, and would as such not require a great deal of adapting if he were to make the move to the Emirates Stadium. Although the Magpies will no doubt be keen to avoid selling one of their best players to another English side, Arsenal may pursue this signing depending on their success in landing Toulouse and Ivory Coast youngster Serge Aurier.
1) Loic Remy (Queens Park Rangers)
Not a regular for France at the moment due to the presence of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, as well as Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, but Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy has established himself as one of the most reliable goalscorers in the Premier League in his short time in the English game. The 27-year-old was linked with Arsenal whilst still at Marseille, and remains one of Arsene Wenger’s top targets this summer as he seeks new signings upfront to give his side some more variation in attack. Remy played alongside Debuchy at Newcastle in the 2013/14 season as QPR loaned him to the north east side, and he netted an impressive 14 goals in 26 Premier League appearances, showing the kind of pace and composure in front of goal that would surely make him a hit with the Gunners.
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