Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Ten Players Linked To The Club
With the transfer window about to close, a host of players still continue to be linked with the Gunners. Most of the rumors have mainly centered on Arsenal signing a centre back. Arsenal has lost 2 centre backs to injury namely Squillaci and Vermaelen and has had to manage with only 2 fit centre backs.
But it’s not just a centre backs that have been linked with Arsenal. Goalkeepers and even several highly talented youngsters have been linked with the Gunners.
Wenger recently stated that he would be surprised if they made any signing but did not completely rule out any signing. Arsenal fans will be hoping that he signs a player and increase their chances of lifting the Premier League.
Here is a list of 10 players who have been rumored to make a move to the Emirates.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
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Many clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with Southampton’s highly talented youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Initial reports suggested that Arsenal were the frontrunners for capturing the youngster. But it was reported that both Arsenal and Liverpool had a 5 million bid rejected by Southampton.
It is reported that the main stumbling block in the deal is the price and Southampton value the player at a higher price than what was offered to them.
This seems to be the kind of transfer Arsene Wenger would make. A young, extremely talented player from a lower division with vast potential, he would be a perfect fit into the Arsenal set up.
Matthew Upson
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Arsene Wenger has stated several times that one of his big regrets was the sale of former Arsenal centre back, Matthew Upson. Upson played for Arsenal from 1997-2003 but finally left when he found it difficult to break into the first team largely due to the impressive form of Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure than anything else.
Now he plays for West Ham and is the captain of the Hammers. He has proven to be a good centre back and is an experienced player who can offer something to the club.
But his age would mean that to sign him, Arsene Wenger will have to break his under 30 players rule. Also he tends to make the odd mistake which can prove to be costly when fighting for the League.
Allan McGregor
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Recent rumors suggest that Arsenal are interested in Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor. Although Ranger’s manager Walter Smith played down talks of his transfer it is reported that plenty of other clubs including Manchester United and Aston Villa are interested in signing the Scotland No1.
For Arsenal this seems to be a highly unnecessary move as Lukasz Fabianski has played some great football and has made hardly any mistakes this season. He has been one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers and has been solid at the back.
Also highly talented youngster Wojciech Szczesny has been superb when deputizing for Fabianski and is showing great talent and potential. Signing another goalkeeper would just end up affecting the progress of the 2 Polish keepers.
Gary Cahill
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The Bolton defender has been widely linked with the Gunners for quite some time now. He has established himself as a solid defender with vast potential and talent. He has the experience at the top level, featuring for the English National Team as well and would be a great signing for Arsenal as they seem to be affected by injuries at the back with Vermaelen and Squillaci injured.
Arsene Wenger is also supposed to be a fan of the English defender. But recently Arsene Wenger expressed doubts of whether he would sign any defender as Squillaci seems to be coming back to full fitness. But it would be a great buy. Vermaelen’s return still remains a mystery and with Arsenal having a packed fixture list and lot of important games coming signing Cahill would add some much real quality and depth at the back.
Bolton’s valuation of the player at 20 million looks to be the main stumbling block.
Sime Vrsaljko
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Arsenal have highlighted Dinamo Zagreb’s Sime Vrsaljko as a potential signing this month, according to latest reports.
The highly-rated 19-year-old defender has caught the attention of Manchester United in the past but Arsene Wenger could be set to make an offer for the Croat who is valued by his club at around £12million.
Several reports have even said that Arsenal have agreed for the transfer of the youngster for a 12 million fee.
But I’m not sure whether Arsene Wenger would and should take such a risk on a fairly fresh and unproven talent.
Wenger seems to be of the thought that he will be the best option as he is cheaper than Cahill and is a more long term option than West Ham’s Matthew Upson.
Mamadou Sakho
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The highly talented French and PSG defender has been widely linked to the Gunners for quite some time now. Despite being only 20 he is a regular starter for PSG and has already made his international debut.
His tireless engine, work rate, great tackling and tactical awareness would add real quality and depth to a depleted Arsenal back four.
He would be a really great and good addition to the Arsenal back four and is a real prospect for the future. His signing would offer Wenger some real needed flexibility at the back and would give the other players some much needed rest.
Eden Hazard
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Eden Hazard is one of the most promising and talented youngsters in world football and is widely sought after by various top clubs around the world. Arsenal are reported to be interested in the youngster for a long time now and Wenger has expressed his liking for the Belgian wonderkid.
He has already made a name for himself as a talented winger with pace and great vision. His technique and creativity have earned him several admirers around Europe. With Arshavin struggling and Rosicky not getting any younger now would be the right time to make a move for the youngster to replace the old legs.
His style have drawn several comparisons to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. One can never be sure if he can reach their level but if what we have seen of the youngster is anything to go by, he surely can match them.
Christopher Samba
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After Sam Allardyce’s departure as Blackburn manager several reports suggested that Samba was unhappy at Blackburn and was looking for a move away from Ewood Park.
Initial reports suggested that Arsenal were interested in the defender and were looking to sign him. He is exactly the type of player that Arsenal don’t have. He is strong, physical and is an absolute beast on the pitch. He is an extremely physical defender and would add to the physical strength and capabilities of the side if he joined them.
Although he may be a different breed from the usual Arsenal defenders, he can be extremely useful and will come in handy in their quest for the Premier League crown.
Jan Vertonghen
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Jan Vertonghen looks destined to join Arsenal at one point or another. He has been linked with a move back to Arsenal where he will get the opportunity to unite with former teammate Thomas Vermaelen.
He is a centre back and is best at that position but is handy in any left sided defensive position on the pitch. He is an extremely versatile player and often joins the attack and ventures out forward from time to time. His good aerial ability also makes him a threat from set pieces.
He would be a perfect fit for the Gunners and is nearing the peak of his career. A move in January and if that doesn’t materialize, a move in the summer transfer window is a guarantee.
He has established himself as a regular starter for Ajax and has made over 140 appearances for the Dutch side.
Sergio Ramos
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If reports are to be believed Arsenal look set to line up a shocking 25 million bid for Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid. The Spanish star is supposed to be unhappy after a training ground bust up with team mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ramos as several factors in him which would make him an ideal signing for the Gunners. He is experienced at the top level having won several trophies with both Real Madrid and the Spanish National side. He boasts vast quality and can add a breath of fresh air to the Arsenal back line.
But he is predominantly a right back and for Arsenal it is Sagna who plays normally in that position. He has played brilliantly this season and I see no reason why Wenger would look to buy the Spanish star. Also his fee would be fairly large which means that Wenger would have to break his rigid transfer policy.
