Arsenal: 7 Players Wenger Should Consider to Replace Fabregas

By (Senior Analyst) on July 23, 2011

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15:  Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal applauds the fans during a lap of honour after the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on May 15, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Richard Heathcote/G
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

It's no secret at this time that Fabregas is Barcelona bound, assuming Barcelona pay the transfer fee demanded by the Gunners, of course.

While there a lot of things that can be concluded from this transfer saga, such as how Fabregas is destroying Arsenal's fans love for him by refusing to make a proper statement to the public regarding his desire to return to Barcelona, so long as the Gunners get their money.

Another important thing concluded, is the fact that the majority of the world's biggest idiots reside in Barcelona. Players like Xavi, Pique, Puyol, Pedro and Villa, uselessly bitch and moan to the media regarding the Fabregas transfer to Barcelona.

And even the mayor of Fabregas' town, Estanislau Garcia, who claimed that if the English have any honor the clowning around must stop, said that there was a principal in agreement to sell Fabregas this summer. Not to mention the fact that he stated Fabregas was experiencing a kidnapping.

For the record Mr. Estanisclown, Arsenal never agreed to anything. That was the biased, unprofessional, pathetic Catalan media, who have been attacking Arsenal non-stop, for a player that is legally contracted to them, where he signed willingly and makes over 100,000 pounds a week

How is that a kidnapping?

Not to mention that the manager of Arsenal who calls the shots is French, and the owner of Arsenal is American, so the English have nothing to do with this, dumbass!

Back to the topic at hand.

With Fabregas' departure there is a gap left in the Arsenal midfield, therefore, Wenger will have to find the right player to take over from Fabregas. Which is no easy feat.

Here are the seven players Wenger should consider for replacing Cesc Fabregas.

7. Eden Hazard

LA CORUNA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 05:  Eden Hazard of Belgium controls the ball during the Group 5 FIFA2010 World Cup Qualifier match between Spain and Belgium at the Riazor stadium on September 5, 2009 in La Coruna, Spain.  (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Denis Doyle/Getty Images

While this transfer seems highly unlikely, due to the fact that Lille themselves stated that Hazard is not for sale, there is no doubt that Hazard possesses the qualities to fill the Fabregas role with ease.

The Belgian international would suit Arsenal's style of play, and he would complement players like Nasri and Wilshere on the pitch wonderfully.

Not only would his price be considered too high, but also the fact that Lille aren't willing to sell kills the chance of this move being realistic.

A shame, too, because his price can only increase in the future.

6. Aaron Ramsey

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 27:  Aaron Ramsey of Wales looks on during the Carling Nations Cup match between Northern Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium on May 27, 2011 in Dublin, Ireland.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Julian Finney/Getty Images

No one said anything about Wenger having to buy his man, especially when he already has quality players inside his own team in which he can utilize to make the difference.

Arsenal's season collapsed two years ago when Ramsey got injured, not just because of the mental side of the game due to him getting his leg broken, but also the fact that he was a class up coming player who gave the team the depth they needed on the pitch, and not just on the team sheet.

Already having the Arsenal style of play inside him, Ramsey can become an Arsenal great, especially when you consider the fact that he is much more mature than everyone his age, a testament proven by the fact that he is Wales' captain—the youngest player in history to captain Wales—and one of the youngest national captains in history.

And unlike Eduardo, after coming back from injury, Ramsey was almost back to his best form in no time, even scoring against Man United and helping Arsenal win their first game against United in two years.

Certainly, it seems Wenger should be grateful he has a quality player like Ramsey in his team already.

5. Marek Hamsik

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 15:  Marek Hamsik of SSC Napoli prior to the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale Milano at Stadio San Paolo on May 15, 2011 in Naples, Italy.  (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

While the Slovakian player looks like a gothic creature, he's actually a classy player and quite creative as an attacking midfielder.

Almost 24 years of age, Marek Hamsik is a great option for Wenger to consider, but the problem would be the fact that he doesn't seem to want to move from Napoli anytime soon.

However, that doesn't change the fact that the Slovakian captain is good enough to wear Arsenal colors and would definitely be a great signing for any team that he joins in the future.

4. Samir Nasri

HANGZHOU, CHINA - JULY 16:  Samir Nasri of Arsenal in action during the pre-season friendly match between Hangzhou Greentown and Arsenal at Yiwu Meihu Stadium on July 16, 2011 in Hangzhou, China.  (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Nasri is another player already plying his trade at Arsenal. While the future of Samir Nasri lies in the balance, should he stay, he can easily fill the Fabregas role without much of a challenge.

Although he's making himself look like a villain with his refusal to sign a new contract, making him look like the new Adebayour in the eyes of the fans, Nasri had a great half season but was not consistent enough to go the entire campaign at this top level. But he definitely has what it takes to improve and become even more consistent.

Will he remain at Arsenal? That remains to be seen, as he has no intention to sign a contract extension it seems anytime soon.

3. Xabi Alonso

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 16: Xabi Alonso #14 of Real Madrid in action against Los Angeles Galaxy during the Herbalife World Challenge 2011 friendly soccer game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 16, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Kevork D
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

With arrival of Nuri Sahin, and the magnificent form of Mesut Ozil, it appears that Xabi Alonso's place in the starting line-up of Madrid is no longer guaranteed.

Even Xabi refused to rule out a return to Liverpool, citing that you never know what happens in the world of football.

A World Cup winner and a great attacking midfield option, Xabi Alonso can play anywhere in the middle of the park and impress greatly.

Ironically, he once came close to joining Arsenal, but Arsene Wenger refused to pay the price Liverpool was asking for (believed to have been 14 million pounds), despite the fact that Xabi Alonso agreed to personal terms with Arsenal back then, if reports are to be believed.

His price wouldn't be terrible either. Real Madrid have always sold their players on the cheap to make room for newer talents, as has been witnessed by the selling of their Dutch players a few years ago.

Turning 30 this November, Xabi Alonso has the vision and the experience to help Arsenal get back to their winning ways, and he would be a great addition to Arsenal's midfield.

2. Jack Wilshere

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04:  Jack Wilshere of England in action during the UEFA EURO 2012 group G qualifying match between England and Switzerland at Wembley Stadium on June 4, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
David Cannon/Getty Images

Arguably the easiest pick of the bunch, Arsenal's player of the season would easily replace Fabregas and ensure that the current Arsenal captain is not to be missed.

Considered by many as the future of Arsenal and the future of England, Jack Wilshere is not only one of the best midfielders out there, but a player any team would dream to have.

The only minor problem from playing him in the Fabregas role is the fact that he would leave his position alongside Alex Song, the position in which he established himself last season in order to play upfront.

It doesn't really matter, seeing how Wilshere has become more of a box-to-box midfielder like former Arsenal legends Patrick Vieria and Gilberto Silva, albeit a much more technical and gifted midfielder than the Invincibles' duo. This means that Wilshere will usually contribute as much in defense, as he would in attack.

Wenger would do well to put Wilshere upfront, so long as he finds the right player to fill the gap left by Wilshere.

1. Yoann Gourcuff

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 11:  Yoann Gourcuff of France ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group A match between Uruguay and France at Green Point Stadium on June 11, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa.  (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

If there was one man Wenger could buy to replace Fabregas and take Arsenal forward, it's none other than Yoann Gourcuff.

True, he'd cost a lot of money, Arsenal would have to pay close to double their previous record to get their man, and Gourcuff would have to take his time to adjust to the English game, but the potential for greatness is definitely there.

Not only would his arrival make Arsenal stronger, but it'd form a new Arsenal partnership with Robin van Persie and reunite an old Bordeaux partnership with Chamakh.

His ability to split a defense in half, along with his technique and his eye for goal, would make him the perfect replacement for Fabregas and a perfect signing for Arsenal.

Gourcuff is one of the most talented players on the planet, but he never had much of a chance to shine and is almost always away from the spotlight. His arrival to Arsenal would certainly make him a household name, should he be able to bring the Gunners to glories of yore.

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