Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Is the Fulham Duo Just What Arsenal Needs?

As the World Cup begins to draw to a close, much of the focus will soon turn to the Summer Transfer Window. A time of rumours and insinuating, as well as money potentially being thrown away.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will undoubtedly be a busy man during the Summer. After failing to secure silverware for the fifth successive season, the Frenchman has vowed to implement changes to his youthful squad. This ensures many quality players are rumoured to be potentially arriving at the Emirates.

Wenger has already began his summer shopping by signing Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. The powerful Moroccan will ensure Arsenal boasts a strong, creative frontline that no longer lacks depth. Wenger now turns his attention to his currently frail defence.

The Arsenal manager has already released defender Philippe Senderos with William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and possibly even Sol Campbell expecting to follow. This means Arsenal currently has Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou as their dominant central defenders with youngsters Harvard Nodtveit and Kyle Bartley as their back-ups. 

However, it is expected that Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny will sign in the coming days, ensuring Wenger can steady up his backline. But, Wenger is still a defender short, as well as the ongoing keeper problem.

All fans are demanding the arrival of a new keeper or even keepers after current shot stoppers Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski failed to assert themselves as quality GKs. The pair made a host of vital errors throughout the season which many feel cost Arsenal their chances of silverware.

So, with Wenger in need of a strong, solid defender and a reliable keeper, could Fulham duo provide the answer.

1. Brede Hangeland

Arsene Wenger tried aimlessly to seduce the imposing Norwegian to the Emirates last season, but a deal failed to materialize. Now, with manager Roy Hodgson departing Fulham, joining Liverpool and insisting he won't sign any Fulham players, it enables Hangeland to take similar steps in his former managers' path and join a "Top Four" club. 

Hangeland has impressed over recent years with his no nonsense defending and hard hitting tackles. He is blessed with height and power and is also an organised leader with experience. The 29 year old also boasts impressive footwork and pace.

Hangeland would be a terrific replacement for the departing centre halves and would ensure Arsenal have an experienced, quality back line.

2. Mark Schwarzer 

The Australian has been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners and it is becoming almost certain he will sign. This would surely erase Arsenal keeping woes. At 37, the Fulham shot stopper is the ideal short term replacement as Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczesny mature on loan deals. 

Schwarzer is a reliable, safe keeper with good hands and decision making. With Hodgson departing, the former Middlesbrough keeper will be eager to find a new home and with one like Arsenal, it sure looks appealing.