Arsenal: 6 Interesting January Transfer Prospects Including Pienaar and Agger
Arsenal have a quality side, possessing a lot of depth, this season, and it is hard to think of a position where they are short of numbers at present. However, a player with quality, if available, is an interesting transfer prospect and can add a lot of quality to the team.
Even though Arsenal have a lot of technically brilliant and creative midfielders, Arsene Wenger was still attracted by the prospect of securing the services of Joe Cole in the summer. Wenger and Arsenal are desperate to break their title drought, and if signing any player could add to the quality to this talented side, Arsene Wenger will evaluate the prospects of signing the player in January.
Andrei Arshavin is amongst Wenger's most famous deadline day signings, and was one of the main reasons why Arsenal managed to qualify for the 2009-10 edition of the UEFA Champions League. I have listed six players, who could be successful with Arsenal and it is also realistically possible to secure their services.
1. Daniel Agger
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Current Club: Liverpool
Daniel Agger has been a good defender for Liverpool, and has got a lot of experience in the Premier League. He is a tall and strong defender, and in addition to his aerial ability, he has also got good technique. Agger is also one of the most passionate players on the pitch, and can also play at Left Back if the need arises.
He has fallen out of favour with Roy Hodgson, and is currently the fourth choice defender behind the likes of Jamie Carragher, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Martin Skrtel. Also, youngster Danny Wilson is highly rated by the present Liverpool manager, and will get his chances. Agger’s experience could be great for the Gunners, and also, he is not cup-tied, which will give a lot of depth to the team.
Expected Transfer Fee: 5-7 million
2. Jan Vertonghen
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Current Club: Ajax
Vertonghen is an young, talented defender, who has impressed for Ajax in the last couple of seasons. He is blessed with good technique and his understanding of the game is excellent. Besides, he has played alongside Thomas Vermaelen, albeit not often in a Centre Back partnership, and has good camaraderie with the Belgian.
Vertonghen has already been scouted by numerous top European clubs, and it will be tough for Ajax to hold on to their quality defender. He has said that he would like to play alongside Vermaelen for the Gunners, and it will be a quality addition for the future if Wenger decides to splash the cash to bring the Ajax defender to North London.
Expected Transfer Fee: 12-15 million
3. Marko Marin
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Current Club: Werder Bremen
Marko Marin is a quality, young attacking midfielder, who can also play on the wings. The Germany International is currently plying his trade with Werder Bremen. He did nt get too much playing time for Germany in the World Championship, but has shown his quality for Werder Bremen.
The versatile midfielder could provide great quality and depth to the Gunners and it is not hard to fathom a situation in March or April where some of our key players are sidelined due to injuries. Marin has been excellent in the recent past, and can help the Gunners in their quest for a title.
Expected Transfer Fee: 12-15 million
4. Steven Pienaar
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Current Club: Everton
Steven Pienaar is one of the most talented wingers in the English Premier League, and is undoubtedly blessed with a lot of quality. To the dismay of David Moyes and Everton, his contract talks with Everton FC have stalled, and the Toffees might look to cash in on him instead of losing him on a free transfer in the summer.
Though Arsenal have a lot of excellent wingers in the armoury, Pienaar is sure to add a lot of quality to the side. Besides, Andrei Arshavin has lost out on some of his pace, and seems to be struggling on occasions. He has also not agreed to a new contract with Arsenal, and could move on in the summer. Cesc Fabregas’ future is uncertain as well, and there is a possibility he might move to Barcelona in the summer, which means Samir Nasri could take up his role in the future.
Arsene Wenger has made his admiration known for the South African, and this might be the opportune moment for the Frenchman to bring Pienaar to the Emirates.
Expected Transer Fee: 5-7 million
5. Per Mertesacker
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Current Club: Werder Bremen
Mertesacker is an experienced, yet relatively young defender at the age of 25, who could be a quality addition to the Gunners. Mertesacker has a lot of experience at the highest level, and his performances for Werder Bremen and Germany, shows that the tall defender has the quality to succeed in the English Premier League.
Arsenal were linked with the Germany International in the summer, but could not secure his services. Mertesacker is a no-nonsense defender, who has a lot of composure, and provides an air of confidence to the defence. Wenger has the cash to spend, and could move to acquire the services of the tall defender.
Expected Price: 10-12 million
6. Ibrahim Afellay
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Current Club: PSV Eindhoven
Ibrahim Afellay is a talented attacking midfielder, who has great ambitions, and is open to a move to a big club. Arsenal are amongst the best teams in Europe, and Afellay will certainly fancy a move to the Emirates. PSV will not like to lose him on a free transfer, and might cash in on the Dutchman in January.
According to reports, Arsenal striker Robin van Persie suggested his compatriot as a summer signing to Arsene Wenger, but Wenger did not sign the midfielder. However, he will be available at a bargain price in January, and his versatility and quality will surely be a boost to Arsenal.
Expected Transfer Fee: 6-8 million
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