Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Which Midfielder Should Wenger Target?

The defence was probably the main reason behind Arsenal some what disappointing season, but their midfield was not far behind. After three senior members in Gilberto Silva, Mathieu Flamini and Alexander Hleb all left at the start of the season the Arsenal midfield was seriously inexperienced and under strength.

Plus when Wenger failed to find quality players to fix the gaping hole, Arsenal found  hemselves with a rookie midfield. Although the likes of Denilson and Alexandre Song have performed solidly this season Arsenal still need to buy a quality midfielder.

Here are my thoughts:

1. Xabi Alonso, Liverpool, 12-20 million.

The Spaniard is just what Arsenal need, a defensive midfield who can handle the defending duties whilst still creating play. Alonso has to be the main target for Wenger as he would fit into the Arsenal squad like Rondaldo in a hair gel shop.

Not to mention Alonso is great friends with Arsenal captain and midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Fabregas and Alonso are Spanish team mates and gel together beautifully.

Liverpool may be unlikely to let Alonso go but if the right money is offered or maybe a trade deal is done, Alonso could be playing at the Emirates.

2. Gareth Barry, Aston Villa, 12-20 million.

Similar to Alonso, Barry is another midfielder perfect for Arsenal. Barry would no doubt be itching to play Champions League football and may be eager to leave Villa after they failed to take advantage of their Christmas lead in the top four. Barry was another player Wenger chased at the start of the season but failed to sign.

Alonso would probably be a more likely signature for the Gunners but I wouldn't rule Barry out although it would take a big amount for Villa to let their leader go.

3. Blaise Matuidi, AS Saint-Atienne, 6-11 million.

A tough and creative central midfielder who has been watched by Arsenal for a number of years now.

The Frenchmen was reportedly very keen to join the Arsenal ranks, and rumour had it Arsenal were looking to sign the 22 year old in January. Matuidi would fit well into Arsenal's youthful squad, he has great perspective passing and a terrific footballing brain.

4. Miquel Veloso, Sporting Lisbon, 8-15 million.

The Portrugese maestro who is well known for shutting down key opposing midfielders, is another player who has been watched for a number of years by Arsenal.

Rumour has it the 23 year old is eager to play in the Premier League and Arsenal would be a perfect home for the Lisbon midfielder. He is quick, smart and has a more than accurate pass and would be a great addition to the Arsenal squad.

5. Didier Digard- Middlesbrough, 3-9 million.

Similar to Matuidi and Veloso, Didier Digard is a solid defensive midfielder who can also be very creative. With Middlesbrough playing Championship football next season, Digard would be a cheap and easy buy and would increase the depth of the Arsenal squad.

6.Sergio Busquets, Barcelona, 8-15 million.

Busquets is a young and talented midfielder who is very tall and strong. He would add great strength to the Arsenal midfielder and could work very well with Cesc. He has good vision and a solid passing game plus he is very hard to tackle.

Barcelona would not be keen to see their strong midfielder depart Camp Nou but if enough money is offered then maybe they would budge.

7. Yaya Toure, Barcelona, 13-22 million.

The younger brother of Arsenal defender and vice captain Kolo. Yaya is an immensely talented midfielder who would no doubt perform strongly next to Cesc Fabgregas. He has great vision, strength and passing plus he can score goals. A bit of an unlikely option but it wouldn't hurt to offer the Spanish giants a bid for their Ivorian.

8. Steven Defour, Standard Liege- 6-11 million.

A talented youngster who has impressed greatly in the Belgium league. Known for his playmaking ability and vision plus his solid defending, Defour would be a strong addition to Arsenal and his youthfulness would not be out of place.

Villa are said to be very interested in the Defour as well as Olympique Marsielle but I think if Arsenal chased the midfielder they could capture him.

9. Lorik Cana, Oliympique Marseille, 8-16 million.

The mad Albainan is another play Arsenal desperately need. He is built with experience, strength and play making skills. He has impressive aggresion and is the type of player who can shut down the likes of Ronaldo, Lampard, Gerrard. I see Cana as a must buy for Arsenal.

10. Mohamed Shawky, Middlesbrough, 5-11 million.

The Egyptian defensive midfielder may seem like a bit of an odd option for Arsenal but I feel the Gunners could use Shawky's strength and defending attributes usefully. He would not be to expensive and seeing as Middlesbrough face the sad relagation, he would be eager to stay in the EPL.

11. Jeremy Toulalan, Olympique Lyon. 14-22 million.

Would be a huge impact for Arsenal, the talented Lyon play maker ticks all the boxes for Arsenal's midfielding needs and would slott sensationally next to Cesc Fabregas. He is a long shot but he is worth every penny spent.