Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Key Positions Gunners Must Address

While the talk of the English Premier League was the battle between Manchester United and City for the league title, Arsenal finished third and will look to be in that title hunt again next season after upgrading key positions. Here are some positions the Gunners will look to improve through transfers this coming summer.

Defender

Despite finishing third in the Premier League, Arsenal gave up the second-most goals out of the top nine finishing teams.

The Gunners, led by Robin Van Persie, boasted an impressive 74 goals on the year, but they found themselves in multiple high-scoring matches due to their defense giving up a fair amount goals themselves.

Former Bolton man Gary Cahill and Manchester City's Wayne Bridge could be a few of the names on Arsenal's wishlist this summer.

Defensive Midfielder

Continuing with the defensive theme, the defensive midfield could use a bit of reworking as well.

The Gunners have plenty of firepower with Gervinho and Van Persie to continue their high goal-scoring ways for next year, but they'll need to fix things on the opposite end of the field to capture the league title. 

Fellow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Peter Webster believes that Barcelona's Seydou Keita and City's Nigel De Jong may be available if Arsenal offers either club the right place for their talent.

Forward

This position is on the list simply due to the squad needing to resign superstar forward Van Persie. ESPN recently talked with former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, who said:

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"Losing Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas last year was a big shock for Arsenal. If they lose Robin van Persie this year it will be a drama."

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The Dutch footballer is the face of the club with Nasri and Fabregas gone, there's no way the Gunner faithful could stand losing Van Persie. Sadly for the club and the fans, talks have reportedly broken down in contract negotiations so far.

Van Persie accounted for 30 of the team's 74 goals this year, which was the most by one player in the EPL this season. There's no way the Gunners could replace what the Dutchman brings to their team, they have to make sure they re-sign their franchise player this summer.