Arsenal FC: The Plausible Transfer Gossip

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Arsenal's perpetual love affair with the Cesc Fabregas transfer saga might have languished in the past month, but the amount of transfer gossips concerning the influx and departure of players is yet to cease.

While the credibility of the rumours remains anyone's guess, there are quite a few viable options that are capable of mending Arsenal's potential shortcomings in the upcoming season. On the other hand a couple of players' rumoured departure also seem imminent.

The following slides include some of Arsenal's plausible transfer targets within the transfer window thus far.   

Jose Enrique Might Replace Gael Clichy After All

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Following long-term serviceman Gael Clichy's (deserves a tribute, wish him good luck) decision to leave the Gunners for the Manchester City Citizens, Arsenal are left with a dangerous inadequacy at the left back position.

Although both Gibbs and Traore showed glimpses of potential during the Asian tour, against Hangzhou Greentown and Malaysia XI respectively, neither have the experience and physicality to grind out a whole season unscathed or stay at a consistent level.

Clichy, now dubbed a 'mercenary' by some, offered not only blistering speed tearing down the flank but played with heart and passion. Even though his tenacity was sometimes undermined by his lack of positional awareness, his departure can only be perceived as City's gain and Arsenal's loss.

Potential replacements, namely Leighton Baines and Jose Enrique have got what it takes to fill in the Frenchman's shoes. However, the Spanish fullback Enrique will cost marginally less than Baines and has already told Alan Pardew, manager of Newcastle, of his intention of playing Champions League football, which Arsenal should guarantee for at least another season.

Thus steering Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in the race for the left-back.  

Consolidating the credibility of Enrique's arrival, justarsenal.com confirmed earlier today that Wenger will prepare bid for the Newcastle player as soon as the Asian tour concludes. The Star also quoted from source in China saying:

“Arsene is aware of the news coming from Newcastle that Enrique is holding out for a club that can offer him Champions League football.

“Once he is back in England the chance of a transfer will be explored.”

The capture of Enrique will be an inexpensive and pragmatic signing, one Wenger should definitely not miss out on.  

Costa Rican Youngster Joel Campbell Agrees in Principle

This 19-year-old sensation from Costa Rica is on the brink of completing a £930,000 move from Saprissa. Campbell impressed scouts all over Europe with a mature display in the Copa America, scoring in a 2-0 win over Bolivia. 

Despite playing less than 10 games for his club Deportivo Saprissa, the player has been a consistent performer at U20 and senior level for his country.

Similar to Miyaichi and Wellington's capture last summer, Joel Campbell is yet to have his work permit approved; Campbell does not meet the requirement of involvement in 75 percent of Costa Rican senior matches.

At this stage the rumours surrounding the youngster's imminent arrival seem legit, but may see his first team chance limited following capture of Gervinho amongst other forwards. Most likely scenario would be a season or six months loan deal to another club.  

Deal for Samba or Cahill Could Materialise Soon

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When the transfer window kicked off last month, bookies had Arsenal as almost 100 percent favourite at landing Blackburn captain Christopher Samba. Since then Bolton's Gary Cahill has also been fitted into the picture, but his club's asking fee remains a hurdle for Wenger. 

The centre back area has also been the area of concern for the team. An inspirational and vocal leader will significantly boost the team's morale in the dressing room and on the pitch. Both Cahill and Samba fit the criteria, at the moment only wage demands stand between a deal being struck.

According to recent reports from Mirror, Arsenal have fallen behind the Spurs in race for Samba, primarily due to the Gunners' reluctance to meet the player's £60,000 a week wage demands and the £12 million price tag. This leaves Cahill as the most likely candidate to bolster the team's defence.

Owen Coyle has stated Cahill will be allowed to leave only if Arsenal meets the asking price, which might well be under negotiation at this very moment.

No matter which centre half, even if someone other than the duo signs for the North Londoners, surely after six trophyless years Wenger should address the holes in his armour.   

Mancini Ignites Nasri Transfer Saga Again

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Just days after Wenger reaffirmed fans that Samir Nasri will honour his contract and stay at Emirates till 2012, Roberto Mancini rocked the boat once again by suggesting the French maestro's possible arrival by end of the month.

A couple of verbal rebuttals from both managers ensued but people are no longer certain of Nasri's future. The player himself remained relatively quiet and did in fact play for Arsenal in both legs of the Asian tour.

However, with that being said, various sources such as the Dailymail have previously confirmed that the Frenchman is set for a £19 million switch to Manchester City. While from a neutral standpoint selling a player with one year left on his contract for £20 million is more than a bargain, especially for the mastermind of Arsene Wenger.

If true, it may prove to be the catalyst for a disastrous season ahead or at least something completely different from last, positively or negatively.

If Nasri does follow Clichy's footsteps to Manchester, the team is bound to suffer during rotation against "weaker" teams due to lack of creativity.  

Cesc: The Elephant in the Room Might Be Gone

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Most fans have probably heard enough around the plot development of Barcelona's relentless pursue of the captain, therefore I will not dwell on his situation any more than what we already know. 

Aaron Ramsey truly deserves applause for his great resolve to recuperate so steadily following a leg break. A season forward, he could become the heartbeat of the entire team. Largely due to Cesc Fabregas' active and passive signs of leaving the Emirates for boyhood club Barca.

With an ready-made replacement in Aaron, possibility of Fabregas' departure increases by the day.  

Denilson Wants Sao Paulo Loan Deal

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Being on the wrong end of everlasting criticisms, the Brazilian midfield's stay in Europe may come to a premature end.

Frustration from both the player and fans at the inconsistency paved the path for the 23-year-old's return to former club. Meanwhile the emergence of Emmanuel Frimpong will limit Denilson's chance to impress the holding midfield role, which Song and Wilshere extinguish themselves as obvious starters.

Since moving from Sao Paulo in 2006 for £3.4 million, has made 153 appearance for the club with a goal tally of 10. Although the player endured an abysmal season last year, scoring none and rarely making an impact as a sub.

Though his exit is unlikely to spur tears amongst the Arsenal faithfuls, his contribution on his days deserves appraisals.         

Nicklas Bendtner in Talks With Borussia Dortmund

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Daily Star has reported that Gunners' outcast Nicklas Bendtner has left for Germany for talks with Borussia Dortmund. Although the German champions previously dismissed any interest for the player, the Dane's desperation for a new start may push the deal through, provided of course the prices are matched. 

Sporting Lisbon are also reportedly interested but neither sides agree on Arsenal's price tag of £12 million, an eventual transfer of £9 million is on the cards. Other potential suitors include Hamburg.  

Another piece of interesting news regarding the player comes from Mirrorfootball.co.uk, claiming Everton is in a loan bid for the striker. It's revealed that David Moyes eyes Bendtner the top target this summer, due to Louis Saha's injury problems and Jermaine Beckford's lack of experience.

In conclusion, the over-confident striker's exit is almost certain, while one of the German clubs remain favourite to secure the signing.  

Eboue Set for Turkish Delight in Galatasaray

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Love him or hate him, Eboue's spell at the Emirates is about to end. 

Following the signing of Carl Jenkinson from Charlton Athletic, Bacary Sagna's position at right-back will experience an unnecessary overload. 

The energetic Ivorian was once booed by the entire stadium but has since re-established himself as a crowd favourite. However, he was left behind in London during the Asian tour and a source has quoted the Turkish powerhouse as saying the two are “being close to a deal.” 

If he does decide to leave we should whole-heartedly wish him good luck in the future and thank him for his contributions.  

The Rest

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According to The Sun, Arsenal has made a £14 million offer for Belgian Romelu "the next Drogba" Lukaku. It's been revealed that Arsenal officials met with the player's agent Christopher Henrotay, who is now expected to fly to Anderlecht's preseason base in Portugal to formally inform the teenager.

I remain sceptical on the plausibility of this deal as Chelsea have been the long-term forerunner for the player's signature and will most likely overpower Arsenal if a bidding war ensues.

Another player recently linked to the club is Chilean international Arturo Vidal. The Bayer Leverkusen playmaker is guaranteed first-team football if Cesc and Nasri both departs this summer, which is highly unlikely. Thus excluding this rumour from the list as mere speculation. 

Manuel Almunia is reportedly wanted by the Manchester City of Spain, Malaga. The goalkeeper, who arrived seven years ago from Celta Vigo, has fallen out of favour completely following the shocker blunders against West Brom this past season.

Atletico are also rumoured to be tracking the player after the loss of De Gea to United, however, whether Almunia's quality is enticing genuine interest remains unclear.