Arsenal Summer Transfer Rumours: 8 Possible Deals for Gunners

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The more things change, the more Arsenal stays the same.

Another transfer season has come and gone, and with the summer window on the distant horizon, events are starting to line up the way they usually do in North London.

The fans are clamoring for new players. The boss is pointing to the bottom line.

What does it mean for Arsenal's summer plans? It's hard to say, but you can bet the Gunners will again be thrifty in the transfer market.

Keep that in mind with the following eight transfer rumors. For Arsenal, each of these potential moves would have to fit with the club's dedication to balancing the books.

 

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Daniel Sturridge

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Daniel Sturridge has scored nine league goals (as of this writing) this season for Chelsea, but according to reports, he's not happy at Stamford Bridge.

The Mail Online reports that Arsenal's chief scout has initiated a summer move for the 22-year-old England international. The report did not mention a potential fee.

Claudio Yacob

Reports surfaced just after deadline day linking Arsenal with a move for Argentine midfielder Claudio Yacob of Racing Club. More followed this week, with Manchester United added to the mix.

Both reports say Yacob, 24, is out of contract this summer and would represent an inexpensive option for Arsene Wenger's midfield.

The Sabotage Times compiled a profile on Yacob, complete with the interesting tidbit that Yacob's nickname is "Skinny Girl."

Javi Garcia

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Benfica's Javi Garcia would represent a much more expensive option for Arsenal's midfielder. According to GiveMeFootball, Arsenal is interested in signing the £15 million-rated midfielder in the summer.

Garcia, a former Spanish Under-21 international, joined Benfica from Real Madrid in 2009. The 25-year-old has been linked with Arsenal in the past.

Eden Hazard Latest

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Eden Hazard represents perhaps the most expensive target on Arsenal's summer radar. The club's interest is no secret, but it has been complicated by Arsene Wenger's revelation that he must turn a handsome profit every year.

That makes Hazard's reported £30 million pricetag (which could be even higher) difficult for Arsenal. Wenger, however, has made his interest clear.

Heading Out: Andrei Arshavin

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Russia's winter transfer window remains open until Feb. 24, meaning Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arshavin could yet move back to his homeland before the end of the season. Mega-rich club Anzhi Makhachkala have reportedly expressed interest.

Arshavin, however, has reportedly said he wants to stay in North London until the end of the season. A summer return to Zenit St. Petersburg would thus seem likely.

Olivier Giroud

Last week the Sun passed along a brief note about Arsenal's supposed interest in French forward Olivier Giroud of Montpellier. Brief is the key word. Here's the entire article:

"Arsenal will put Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud high on their summer hitlist.

"Giroud, 25, heads the French League goal charts with 15."

Other news outlets picked up the story the following day.

Riccardo Montolivo

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Fiorentina's Riccardo Montolivo has been on Arsenal's radar for some time. The 27-year-old Italian midfielder is out of contract in the summer, and the Gunners have reportedly shown interest in the past.

The rumors are back, with Montolivo reportedly the target of a free transfer this summer—though Manchester United could be interested now, too.

Jamaal Lascelles

Jamaal Lascelles is an 18-year-old defender who recently made his first-team debut with Nottingham Forest and has featured for England at the Under-19 level. Last winter, Forest reportedly rejected Arsenal's £5 million offer for him.

Lascelles is reportedly drawing interest from Arsenal again. And this time, the Gunners have company.