Arsenal Transfer Scenarios: 5 Euro 2012 Players Who Would Fit the Gunners

By (Featured Columnist) on June 27, 2012

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Arsenal have already secured the services of two UEFA Euro 2012 stars in strikers Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. However, the Gunners could still use reinforcements in key areas as they attempt to finalise a squad capable of ending their seven-year trophy drought.

There have been plenty of standout performers at Euro 2012, but five in particular would be excellent fits for Arsene Wenger's team. They would answer one of the two pressing question marks in the squad and suit Wenger's attractive, attacking style of football.

Here are the five Euro 2012 star performers who would be quality additions to Arsenal. It is important to note that not all of these players have been officially linked to the Gunners.

These are not rumours, but rather scenarios, based on this author's opinion regarding who Arsenal should sign if they choose to delve into this summer's transfer market for a third time.

Jaroslav Plasil, Midfielder, Czech Republic

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Bordeaux schemer Jaroslav Plasil is a clever midfielder who always wants the ball.

The 30-year-old is a technically astute player with an eye for a creative pass.

Plasil provided an excellent, defense-splitting pass for the Czech Republic's lone goal in their otherwise lamentable opening performance against Russia.

His distribution was accurate, inventive and assured, and it played a key role in the Czech's advance to the quarterfinal stage.

Plasil plays with the right amounts of craft and guile to suit Arsenal. His presence in the Gunners' midfield would allow Jack Wilshere more time to make a full recovery and ease the pressure on Aaron Ramsey's development.

Mathieu Debuchy, Right-Back, France

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It is not unreasonable to doubt the chances of Bacary Sagna making a return to his best form, after suffering two serious leg injuries in the same season.

That leaves Arsenal with an issue at right back and one that is unlikely to be adequately solved by forcing Francis Coquelin out of position or by unconvincing youngster Carl Jenkinson.

Lille star Mathieu Debuchy is an ideal fit for Arsenal. Sagna offers an invaluable attacking outlet for the Gunners, and his raiding runs are a crucial part of their possession play. 

Debuchy has the pace and energy to do the same and arguably offers more of a goal threat.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to either Newcastle United or Chelsea, according to the Daily Mail. However, Arsenal should seriously consider meeting the player's £6 million price tag.

Nigel De Jong, Midfielder, Netherlands

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If Arsenal want a strict, defensive presence in their midfield, then Netherlands enforcer Nigel de Jong is the perfect fit.

The 27-year-old is a tough tackler with plenty of English Premier League experience.

He has the positional discipline that Alex Song lacks.

With de Jong staying deep, Song and Mikel Arteta could push further forward, without leaving Arsenal exposed at the back and open to quick counterattacks.

The Daily Mirror has linked Arsenal with de Jong, who only has one year remaining on his current contract. For a reasonable fee, de Jong might be the ideal addition to the Gunners' midfield ranks.

Javi Martinez, Midfielder, Spain

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Michael Steele/Getty Images

Many may consider it fanciful to suggest Arsenal should pursue Javi Martinez.

However, the Athletic Bilbao star would be a superb signing for the Gunners.

The 23-year-old is a sure tackler who would offer greater defensive discipline as the midfield's anchor.

Martinez is also blessed with the technique and quality to improve the overall flow of Arsenal's passing.

Sportingpreview.com has suggested Wenger may explore the possibility of bringing Martinez to North London, after supposedly losing interest in a deal for France starlet Yann M'Vila.

Capturing Martinez would require a significant fee, but he would certainly be worth it. His signing would be the kind of coup that would convince even the most sceptical that Arsenal can challenge for this season's EPL title.

Joao Moutinho, Midfielder, Portugal

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Martin Rose/Getty Images

Joao Moutinho's superb performances for Portugal defy the slightly irritating labels of "holding midfielder" or "advanced playmaker."

The FC Porto man is simply a complete and true midfielder.

The 25-year-old is intelligent, energetic and tenacious. He covers plenty of ground and is full of ideas when in possession.

Blessed with an eye for a defense-opening pass, Moutinho offers creativity in the attacking third but isn't afraid to put in his share of tackles and track runners in defensive areas.

After a tournament of stellar performances, it would likely take a considerable transfer fee to pry Moutinho away from his homeland.

However, he is just the kind of cerebral, combative and technically sound player Arsenal should demand for their midfield.

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