Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Latest on Pursuit of Stevan Jovetic and Paul Pogba

Arsenal turned in another solid season for a top-four finish in the Premier League, but if they have their sights set on loftier goals next term, Arsene Wenger is going to have to put the money out there to bring in some additional talent this summer.

The Gunners boss has been fairly open about his plans to spend this summer, though he said the same thing during the January transfer period and nothing much ever came of it.

As quoted by Colin Young of the Daily Mail , Wenger expects to approach summer spending in a “proactive way,” especially after securing a Champions League berth:

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We want additions but we want to keep the structure and spirit and quality of the team. But let’s not forget there are many clubs with big money and maybe not enough talent to strengthen all the teams. But we will go out in a proactive way. It means we can play with the top teams in Europe and it is easier to bring in players when you are in the Champions League

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There’s certainly more reason to bring in new talent when a club is knocking at the door to a trophy, but the pressure is also exponentially greater. If Wenger doesn’t make the right decisions this summer, Arsenal could be on the outside looking in yet again.

Let’s take a look at the latest on two of the top targets Arsenal are rumored to be interested in acquiring this summer and break down their fits with the club.

Paul Pogba

Wenger has pursued Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba twice unsuccessfully, but it seems he may be gearing up for a third attempt at acquiring the 20-year-old standout.

According to Dave Kidd of the Daily Mirror, Arsenal understand Pogba may be unhappy at Juventus:

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The Arsenal boss has twice tried to sign the France ­midfielder in the past, and is ready to test the resolve of Italian champions Juventus with a serious bid.

Pogba left Manchester United on a free last summer after refusing a new deal at Old Trafford and has ­enjoyed a ­breakthrough season at club and ­international level.

But despite the 20-year-old’s fine form, the Gunners have been alerted to the fact that he is ­unsettled in Turin ­after being the ­subject of racial abuse in a derby match against Torino last month.

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The midfielder is likely to be a hot target on the transfer market this summer, and for good reason.

Pogba is as versatile a midfielder as a club is likely to find in a 20-year-old midfielder, especially one who is as physically imposing as he is solid at striking the ball. He has experience as both an attacking and defensive midfielder, and at such a young age, Arsenal (or whichever club manages to acquire him) will have plenty of options for developing him into their kind of midfielder.

But as is always the case when Wenger is pulling the strings, money will likely be an issue in bringing Pogba aboard. According to Kidd, Juventus may demand as much as £15 million if they are to let him go this summer.

If Wenger is truly willing to spend on the transfer market, Pogba would be a good option to signal the start of the spending spree.

Stevan Jovetic

 If £15 million is too much to put on the table for Pogba, Wenger may not be in the business of chasing down Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic, despite the rumors to contrary.

According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, Arsenal may have to shell out the full £25 million asking price to land the young striker:

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Arsenal’s move for Stevan Jovetic is at breaking point after refusing to meet Fiorentina’s £25million asking price.

Talks between both clubs have been ongoing for a number of weeks after Arsene Wenger made Jovetic his No 1 striker target.

But the deal has hit a major stumbling block, with the Serie A club refusing to take anything lower than their valuation.

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Mokbel also reports that Arsenal are willing to spend £20 million to acquire Jovetic, though it remains to be seen if the two parties will be willing to meet in the middle to strike a deal.

Juventus is apparently willing to offer up the full amount to obtain the striker, though Arsenal would be wise to up the ante as Fiorentina may not be so willing to deal Jovetic to a league competitor.

As is the case with Pogba, Wenger is in a position to put Arsenal’s money where his mouth is. If he’s willing to spend this summer, he won’t find a more intriguing option for £25 million.