Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Could Everton Trio Be Just What Wenger Needs?

Arsenal's start to the 2010/2011 season has somewhat stalled with successive defeats to recently promoted West Bromwich Albion and Champions Chelsea, along with two draws and three wins.

The Gunners' defence has been the biggest cause for concern as the back four have proved too simple to conquer.

Manager Arsene Wenger’s failure to secure quality signings is looming as a potential boomerang—the Frenchman had vowed to implement mass changes into his youthful squad after 2009/2010 ended without the presence of silverware for the fifth successive season.

However, Wenger was unable to properly fulfill his claim. Ideally, the French mastermind was eager to restore confidence into the Arsenal fans by signing a quality keeper to wash away the current keeping conundrum; furthermore, having let go a host of experienced, aging defenders, Wenger was also keen to add quality defensive reinforcements.

Wenger did manage to sign French defensive duo Laurent Koscienly and Sebastien Squillaci. Koscienly arrived from FC Lorient for ten million pounds and Squillaci was signed from Seville for just over four million. Neither boasted any experience in the Premier League but both have shown promising signs, especially from Koscienly.

The main worry however was the glaring lack of a quality keeper in the goal, which ensured Arsenal began the campaign with Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski as the main keepers; Both have tried gallantly in their efforts to maintain the number one role but both are consistently prone to making vital errors, along with poor decision-making and controlling traits.

If Arsenal continues their poor run in form, the January transfer window will become incredibly appealing and may force Wenger into some necessary sales.

Another team who are in a similar situation to Arsenal in the sense their campaign has stumbled at the first hurdle is Everton.

The Toffees have one win from their opening seven encounters and sit just above the drop zone at seventeenth with six points. Although there are promising signs for David Moyes and his men, should their horror start continue than January, it may also be an active time for Moyes.

Everton’s woes could benefit Wenger, as the Frenchman could look to entice the Everton big names over to the Emirates; furthermore, there are three players that Arsenal certainly need.

1. Tim Howard

The Everton keeper has been a superb presence in goal for the Toffees since joining from Manchester United in 2006.

Blessed with great reflexes and safe hands, Howard would be an ideal signing—as the American would instill a quality, experienced, and reliable presence in goal; that also allows Wojciech Szczensy or Vito Mannone to continue their growth before eventually receive the No. 1 job.

The 31 year old is highly regarded at Goodison Park, ensuring a heavy price is stuck to his head. However, Wenger boasts the necessary funds to acquire Howard, which could come to be a little lower should Everton continue their poor form.

2. Phil Jagielka

The English defender was highly sought after during the Summer, especially by Arsene Wenger; however, David Moyes rejected the initial offer. If the Arsenal defence continues to falter with injury and confidence, then Jagielka’s signing is a must.

The former Sheffield United defender is a strong, intelligent defender with great control and impressive pace; a tremendously physical and tenacious defender, Jagielka would help install added depth, strength, and leadership into the Arsenal back line.

It is believed Everton want around 18 to 20 million pounds for their 28 year old centre half.

Albeit the figure may loom expensive but as stated in the latter, Wenger does have a high amount of funds at his disposal and Everton’s form could affect the final price.

3. Mikel Arteta

The Spanish maestro has been on Arsenal books for a number of years now but no deal has ever materialized. With Cesc Fabregas more than likely to depart to Spanish giants Barcelona next season, Arsenal will require a huge replacement to replace their captain and orchestrator.

Arteta is a strong fit, as the 28 year old boast relatively similar play to Fabregas. Arteta is a quick, highly intelligent playmaker who is able to fulfill all roles in the midfield along with the winger and second striker roles. 

Blessed with a delightful passing range and a deft touch, Arteta would fit easily into to the fast, flowing Arsenal play. Fabregas’s departure would ensure a healthy amount returns to the Emirates, which would make all three signings, especially Arteta’s, that much easier.