Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Is £18million Too Much for Phil Jagielka?

With the summer transfer window firmly open, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is working tirelessly to attract quality talent after vowing to implement changes into his youthful squad after the Gunners failed to secure silverware for the fifth consecutive year now.

High on the Frenchman's agenda is attracting the services of a quality keeper and defender. Having already signed French defender Laurent Koscienly and Moroccan sharp shooter Marouane Chamakh, Wenger is keen to continue his shopping spree.

The defensive duties need to be attended to quickly for Wenger as he is short on defenders, with Philippe Senderos already departed to Fulham and off contract centre halves William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, and Sol Campbell all more than likely to depart too.

However, Wenger does boast a number of solid leads. The French mastermind has already offered £ 14 million for Everton centre half Phil Jagielka. The offer was turned down by boss David Moyes, but it is believed Wenger is returning with a new £ 18 million offer.

Moyes is eager to keep his English defender, but with Arsenal offering the prospect of Champions League football as well as a better title threat, Moyes may be forced to allow his reliable rock to go.

But is Wenger offering too much for Phil Jagielka?

The former Sheffield United defender would be a worthy addition to the Arsenal back line. Blessed with good speed and strength as well as strong control and a solid head. Overflowing with experience in the Premier League Jagielka would add much-needed grunt into the Gunners central defence.

However, Wenger may be able to purchase another quality defender for cheaper. Wenger has reportedly being eyeing several other defenders with the likes of Per Mertesacker, Micah Richards, and Gary Cahill in the mix.