Arsenal Transfer News: Denis Cheryshev, Gonzalo Higuain Want Moves, Top Rumours

Arsenal have been handed a reported double transfer boost as the end of the window creeps ever closer, with Real Madrid midfielder Denis Cheryshev and Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain both keen on a change of scene this summer.

Taking Cheryshev first, AS (h/t Metro and Alex Harris of the Daily Star) suggest the Russian winger is ready to leave Los Blancos after holding talks with the club. The Gunners are “reportedly keen.”

Here’s a look at what Cheryshev, who was on loan at Villarreal from Real last season, would add to the Arsenal setup:

Looking at the 24-year-old’s qualities, he’s not really a player that Arsenal need. Cheryshev is a very intelligent wide man, blessed with an excellent left foot, a sharp turn of pace and an eye for an incisive pass. But he typically operates on the left flank and already the Gunners have a plethora of options trying to fit into that particular segment of the field.

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As noted by OptaJose, even though reports suggest the player may be on his way out, he’s played an active role in pre-season:

Indeed, as reported by Sport Witness, AS have claimed that Real are insistent on keeping the player on board for the 2015-16 season. But with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Jese Rodriguez, Isco and James Rodriguez all vying for spots in attacking midfield, there are definitely doubts about how much game time Cheryshev will get.

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The player comes across as a confident individual and as such, he’ll fancy his chances of making an impression in the first team. But if he wants regular football, a loan or permanent move is the best course of action; the Emirates would be a far from ideal destination, though.

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Another player who could be on his way to the Premier League is Higuain, who has reportedly told Napoli chiefs that he wants out. That’s according to Fichajes.net (h/t Izzy Horsefield of the Daily Express), which suggest the former Real Madrid striker is unhappy at the San Paolo.

The Gunners, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with a move, per the aforementioned piece. As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, the striker definitely possesses the predatory instincts to shine in the Premier League:

As noted by Horsefield, Higuain has turned down a one-year contract extension with the Serie A side, but his agent told Radio Crc that they are “calm and happy to continue with the current conditions.”

It’s a move that would certainly excite Arsenal fans, as Higuain has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in world football. Not only is he a goalscorer, the Argentine also possesses the technical traits to drop off the front and link the play, which is something that’d make him a perfect fit at the Emirates.

But Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe doesn’t foresee any big-name striker coming in for the Gunners during the remaining embers of this transfer window:

Arsenal fans have heard it all before when it comes to Higuain. The club have been perennially linked with the player since he came close to joining in 2013, per Sid Lowe of the Guardian.

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It looks unlikely that’ll change with this latest rumour either. As noted by Horsefield’s piece, Napoli have been insistent in the past that they will not part company with their striker for a fee which falls short of Higuain’s whopping £66 million release clause. While the Albiceleste star would refresh the Arsenal attack, he doesn’t possess the qualities to demand that kind of fee.