Arsenal Transfer Prospect: 5 Midfielders that Could Replace Cesc Fabregas

With the inevitable departure of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas to his boyhood team Barcelona, manager Arsene Wenger will be eager to find a quality, suitable replacement for his irreplaceable midfielder. 

When Fabregas does officially depart the Emirates, the Gunners are set to receive a hefty amount ranging from £35-50 million. This will enable Wenger to have a firm grip on the transfer market and allow him to get what he wants.

There are many talented midfielders around Europe who could mitigate the loss of Fabregas, and who could cost under £20 million.

1. Yoann Gourcuff-Bordeaux £15-25 million

The immensely talented midfielder had another strong season with French giants Bordeaux, and is emerging as the favourite to replace the Arsenal captain. The 23 year old is fast and ambidextrous, with an incisive passing game and impressive vision.

Similar to Arsenal starlet Samir Nasri, the Frenchman can be played along the midfield or as a winger and second striker. Many clubs are chasing the former AC Milan playmaker, but with Arsenal set to have cash to spend, Yoann Gourcuff looks the best replacement for "Cesc." 

2. Marek Hamsik-Napoli £15-25 million

Marek Hamsik is almost like Napoli's equivalent of a Cesc Fabregas. The Slovakian has all the tricks of the trade and is a born playmaker. Blessed with speed and quick feet, the 22 year old is a real handful in attack. Hamsik would be an adequate replacement for Fabregas as the former Brescia man boasts good creativity and passing.

Napoli are keen to keep their Slovakian dynamo, but if a suitable cost is evident the Italian giants may reconsider.

3. Yaya Toure-Barcelona (Included in Fabregas deal possibly) 

Regarded as the man Wenger would most like to replace his Spanish playmaker with. The brother of former Arsenal captain Kolo Toure, is who Wenger eyes as the potential replacement. 

Toure boast tremendous strength and defensive traits as well as having a solid creative side which involves neat, simple passing and strong ball play. However, reports suggest the Ivorian is not keen to transfer to the Emirates and desires to stay at Camp Nou.

4. Mikel Arteta-Everton £12-20 million

The Everton playmaker is also another valid option to replace Fabregas, and one Wenger is highly keen on. For 5 years now the Spaniard has been an inaugural part of the Everton attack, conjuring up moments of brilliance as well as delicate balls and touches. However for a bizarre reason the 28 year old has failed to represent for his home country Spain.

Arteta would be a strong option as he would fill the void left with his footballing wits and ability to be a handy goalscorer would aid the Arsenal team.  

5. Diego-Juventus £15-22 million

The Portuguese sensation has not had a memorable début season with Italian giants Juventus, and with the Le Zebre failing to qualify for a spot in European duties next season, Diego could eye up a move to Arsenal were he has an opportunity to play in the best league in the world and play Champions League football. 

The 25 year old is a born goalscorer as well as a deadly playmaker. Although the former Werder Bremen midfielder showed glimpses of his talent whilst with Juventus, the footballing world has seen what Diego is capable of and what he could bring to Arsenal.

There is a slight chance Fabregas may not depart the Emirates and will continue to perform for Arsenal in 2010/2011, but if the inevitable does occur, these 5 are emerging as the best replacements.