Sanchez, Debuchy and German star all heading to the Emirates…
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Arsenal are expected to bring in three excellent players who have the capability of heading straight into the first-team in the coming days.
As a result of the £60m business though, three members of Arsene Wenger’s current squad will arguably be surplus to requirements, and could be heading toward the exit door once the new recruits are signed.
Here’s the three expected to arrive, and three that could leave:
Three in:
1) Alexis Sanchez – Barcelona
The first player mentioned in the reports by the Telegraph of the £60m worth of imminent signings is the world-class Chilean. Arsenal have been battling Premier League rivals Liverpool for the 25-year-old’s signature over the past few weeks, but it appears they’ve won the race to lure him to London instead of Merseyside. Sanchez will add pace, dribbling and goals to the starting XI – and maximise the effectiveness of Mesut Ozil in the no.10 role, because of the option he’ll give the German in behind the opposition defence.
2) Lars Bender – Bayer Leverkusen
The German provides his side with a combative and energetic presence in the middle of the park. While he can pass the ball well and occasionally drive through the centre as well – he prides himself on his ability to win back possession with tackles and interceptions. The Gunners need a defensive midfielder of this ilk – and Bender will provide a superb platform from which the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla can perform.
3) Mathieu Debuchy – Newcastle
After being linked with Serge Aurier for weeks, it appears now that the Gunners will secure the more senior Frenchman Debuchy instead, to replace the departing Bacary Sagna. Debuchy starts over Sagna in the French national side, and will enjoy being part of a side that plays swift, passing football – which his pace and work-rate up the right flank will help.
Three out:
1) Lukas Podolski
Injuries curtailed Podolski’s season last term, and while he did pretty well when he was fit enough to take the field – Sanchez will likely be an upgrade on the powerful German. Podolski plays wide on the left normally for Arsenal, but when Theo Walcott returns to fitness – the Englishman and the Chilean will likely play on the flanks either side of a centre-forward. With the likes of Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere and wonderkid Serge Gnabry all vying for starting spots – Podolski could struggle to get the playing time he desires.
2) Mikel Arteta
The Spaniard’s agent has dismissed speculation linking him back to Spain, but if Bender were to arrive, he might not be needed at the Emirates anymore. Arteta’s a good passer, but at 32-years-old, he isn’t mobile enough to perform the defensive midfield role like the younger Bender could. Mathieu Flamini also provides competition for the spot, as does Abou Diaby (should the Frenchman ever return to fitness), and Arsenal should consider selling Arteta while he’d still generate a transfer fee.
1) Carl Jenkinson
In all likelihood, the 22-year-old will stay with Arsenal as backup to Debuchy at right-back. At his age though (baring in mind he’s a full English international as well) Jenkinson might wish to leave the club on loan to get first-team football. Newcastle are heavily interested in his services.
