Not Enough Seats: Five Manchester City Players Arsenal Could Target

Since UAE billionaire Sheikh Mansour investment in Manchester City, the Eastland based side have been overflowing with finances, enabling the Blues to pursue the world's best players.

This summer their recent trend continued with Roberto Mancini spending over a whopping £80 million, adding the likes of Jerome Boateng, Mario Balotelli, David Silva, and James Milner to his roster.

This ensures City boast a formidable lineup easily capable of challenging for a place in Europe's most renown competition as well as the English title. But as Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson will happily point out to Mancini, you cannot just buy a team and insist it will triumph. A successful team must be grown and developed with an abundance of talent and strategy.

The other main issue with City's overspending is their jam packed roster which will see a host of quality players miss out on severe chunks of playing time. This being the case, Mancini is eager to offload many players in order to free up space in his side and ensure there is an assuring atmosphere.

With the Summer transfer window still in flight, there is certainly enough time for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to pounce and add the one or more much needed signings that will allow his roster to blossom and thrive. 

The Frenchman is still desiring a keeper and possibly another defender and midfielder, if injuries persist. Here a five Manchester City's targets.

5. Felipe Caicedo

The Ecuadorian winger looks destined for big things having made his professional debut for Swiss giants FC Basel as a 17 year old. Boasting deadly speed and balance that complements his fierce shot and power, the 21-year-old is touted as the next big South American superstar.

With the likes of Adam Johnson, James Milner, Robihno, David Silva, and Roque Santa Cruz, it will be an uphill struggle to force his way into the City XI and a move elsewhere would become incredibly appealing.

Signing Caicedo would ad depth to the forward and midfield lines as well as ensure that a quality replacement is present when the injury bug really kicks in. One would think City would charge heavily for the Ecuadorean striker, but with their lineup so packed they may just be happy to offload players.

4. Dedryk Boyata

The teenage centre back was impressive last season especially in the Carling Cup. The Belgian made a total of seven appearances in his debut campaign for the Blues.

Boyata overflows with promise, and with Wenger still short of centre backs, the 19-year-old could be a promising signing.

Mancini, however, would be less inclined to offload a talented youngster, but the lack of opportunity may ensure Boyata pursues experience elsewhere.

3. Vincent Kompany

The former Hamburg SV defender has been very impressive with City since joining them in 2008. Kompany is a powerful and imposing defender who would be a welcome addition to the Arsenal squad. Furthermore, the 24-year-old's solid control and passing ability enable him to perform as a midfielder too.

Kompany could face similar problems to Boyata with opportunities that could prove hard to come by. City's desperation to offload may see Kompany depart.

2. Michael Johnson 

The 22-year-old midfielder is a talented prospect boasting great speed, vision, control, and a solid passing range. Johnson is in for a tough time in looking for consistent playing time, and a player of his calibre should be looking elsewhere.

Johnson would provide great short term depth in the Arsenal midfield as well as pursing pressure on the likes of Denilson and Abou Diaby to perform consistently. Furthermore, if a injury crisis does occur, the Englishman would provide great cover.

1. Shay Given

Due to Arsenal's keeping conundrum, Wenger has spent the whole summer chasing quality keepers. Given was touted as the answer, but City's refusal to sell him despite being behind Joe Hart in Mancini's keeping regime ensured the Irishman was unable to arrive at the Emirates.

However it is unlikely that the experienced shotstopper will be content with warming the benches and will demand a move out of the Eastlands. The prospect of playing European football as well as being the first choice at Arsenal may force City to unload Given to Arsenal.