Arsenal to step up chase for Casillas, Mandzukic and Aurier following World Cup exits…
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Once a player completes his international duty at the World Cup, he becomes far more readily available for potential transfer…
These five stars have all been heavily linked to Arsenal over the summer, and, now relinquished of their footballing duties in Brazil, could complete moves to the Emirates…
5) Alex Song – FC Barcelona
The Cameroonian battler was only given 12 La Liga starts last term, which is far less than his ability warrants. The likes of Inter Milan, Liverpool and Manchester United are all expected to battle Arsenal for his signature, but the midfielder’s close relationship with Arsene Wenger could encourage him to move back to the club he left in 2012. Wenger brought Song to England from France in 2005, and developed him into one of the finest combative midfielders in the top flight. Arsenal could do with his physicality and work-rate in the centre of the park once again.
4) Mario Mandzukic – Bayern Munich
Mandzukic is very much available, with the German giants seeing the Croat as surplus to requirements because of the signing of Robert Lewandowski. This is despite Mandzukic reaching 20 goals in all competitions in both his seasons at the club, which should be enough to convince Arsenal to do all they can to bring him to the Emirates. Chelsea are also monitoring the situation, but with the Blues concentrating on Diego Costa – Arsenal should be able to take charge of the transfer battle for Mandzukic.
3) Serge Aurier – Toulouse
The Ivorian excelled at the World Cup for the Ivory Coast, but didn’t do enough to stop his country crashing out at the group stages. He’s the man expected to replace Bacary Sagna on the right of Arsenal’s defence though, and now he’s not in Brazil, the final pieces of the deal could be concluded.
2) Enner Valencia
Valencia’s three goals at the World Cup means that despite his country exiting, his personal value and importance has soared. Arsenal admire his incredible pace, and could make a bid for the man who currently plies his trade in Mexico for Pachuca. Valencia prides himself on his pace, which barring the injured Theo Walcott, Arsenal currently lack.
1) Iker Casillas
Casillas had a simply dreadful World Cup campaign with Spain, making blunders that ensured the champions were knocked out after only two matches. His future at Real Madrid is uncertain, with Diego Lopez regularly starting ahead of him in La Liga, and Arsenal could offer the legendary keeper a chance to revive his career. The Gunners are known to be interested, and much will depend on whether the keeper has the heart to leave his boyhood club after over a decade of loyal service.
