Best buys for Arsenal as trio near exit.
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Arsenal transfer news
Arsenal look set to offload three members of their first-team squad this summer as Arsene Wenger fine-tunes the side that finished 3rd and won the FA Cup in 2014/15.
Presumably to make room for others, the Gunners are seemingly looking to cull three senior members of the side, and this is who we think would be ideal and realistic replacements for each of the players leaving…
1) Mathieu Flamini
No longer first choice for Arsenal in defensive midfield, Mathieu Flamini is one member of this Gunners squad who just isn’t good enough for what they need anymore. Although he may leave on the cheap, the club should have the funds to buy a big name in his place.
Suggested replacement: Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)
The German international is solid in shielding the back four, and also has the quality on the ball to provide just what Arsene Wenger will want from that role. Previously linked with Manchester United, the 25-year-old should be available for around £20m or less this summer.
2) Lukas Podolski
Once a top class player, Lukas Podolski now looks a faded force in the game after losing his place in the Arsenal team and struggling to establish himself during a loan spell with Inter Milan.
Suggested replacement: Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
Capable of playing out wide or up front, the Liverpool attacker would be a superb buy for the Gunners even if he does cost close to £50m. Wenger has more money to spend these days, and is a known admirer of the 20-year-old.
3) Joel Campbell
Highly rated as a youngster, Joel Campbell has not really managed to make the step up as a senior member of the Arsenal team, and is being tipped to leave this summer after attracting interest from Turkey and Portugal.
Suggested replacement: Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)
Supposedly available for just £21m, the French scoring sensation is one player on Arsenal’s radar this summer and would be a brilliant addition up front after scoring 31 goals last season. Not only an upgrade on Campbell, but on both Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck as well.