Arsenal Transfer Prospects: 8 More Potential Summer Targets For Arsene Wenger
Although the 2010/2011 English Premier League season still has over a month of football yet to be played, Arsenal fans are already envisioning the upcoming Summer transfer window after the Gunners surrendered their strangle hold on EPL leaders Manchester United, falling seven points behind Sir Alex Ferguson's men after a lethargic draw against Blackburn. This comes after a demising month for Arsene Wenger's men in which the North London giants lost the Carling Cup Final and were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.
The prospect of the Gunners five year trophy drought continuing has intensified immensely with fans and critics alike demanding Wenger implements immediate changes into his youthful squad to ensure a stronger silverware challenge next season. Many of Wenger's players have come under criticism in recent weeks after a distinct lack of premier depth as injuries to key players materialized. The French tactician has also received a heavy amount of fire after lack of interaction during the recent January and Summer transfer windows.
However it is almost certain that Wenger will activate and utilize his funds during the Summer as his management comes under scrutiny. Eight deals that could aid the North London club in the upcoming Summer were already analysed but another eight deals Wenger may do has now emerged.
Could they be just what Arsenal need to end their notorious silverware absence?
8. Sell Tomas Rosicky
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The Czech playmaker arrived at Arsenal in the Summer of 2006 and immediately conveyed his renowned midfield attacking prowess to use as Rosicky became an integral part of the Arsenal midfield, and one of the most creative midfielders in the EPL for the following two seasons. Unfortunately a serious hamstring injury suffered in February 2008 saw Rosicky miss the whole of the 2008/2009 season before eventually returning early last season.
Since the injury the 30 year old has never returned to the devastating best despite still boasting his immaculate touch, speed and creativity. 2010/2011 has seen "Little Mozart" contributed solidly at times but it is clear Rosicky is somewhat off the pace compared to the likes of Samir Nasri, Jack Wilshere and now Aaron Ramsey.
Furthermore youngster Henri Lansbury has excelled on loan spells this season with Championship side Norwich City and looks destined to challenge for first team honours next season. A number of clubs have voiced their interest in Rosicky which would see the Czech receiving a big increase in playing time.
This portrays that it is likely Wenger may offload Tomas Rosicky this Summer.
7. Sign Steven N'Zonzi from Blackburn Rovers
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The Blackburn enforcer may have had the most impressive performance against the Gunners in Arsenal's recent goalless draw with Rovers after Steven N'Zonzi was sent off for a precarious challenge on defender Laurent Koscielny. However there is no denying the calibre and ability of Blackburn's young defensive midfielder who could thrive at the Emirates.
The Frenchman bursted onto the English Premier League scene last season after Blackburn acquired N'Zonzi from French third division side Amiens SC for £500,000. A commanding, imposing midfielding presence at 190 cm, the Frenchman enjoyed a stellar debut season in World Football's toughest league appearing 38 times and scoring twice, one of which came against Arsenal.
Injury has restricted the 22 year old in the early exchanges of this season but has find his form and fitness in recent months. With Arsenal midfielders Denilson and Abou Diaby seriously under performing during Arsenal's demise, there is heavy calls for the duo to depart the Emirates, which could open the door for young N'Zonzi.
Arsenal were linked with the imposing enforcer during the January transfer window and the France U-21 star could be a dynamic partner with Alexandre Song or Jack Wilshere as the defensive midfielders in the Arsenal midfield.
The Gunners also lack premier height when defending set pieces and corners and with N'Zonzi's height, the Frenchman would be one of the biggest Arsenal players. However Blackburn would not allow their young star to depart cheaply but nothing less than £10 million would be imagined.
6. Sell Emmanuel Eboue
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It's not something anyone associated remotely with Arsenal and the English Premier League wants to witness, but it is growing increasingly likely Ivorian Emmanuel Eboue is destined to depart North London soon. The lovable utility appears to be surplus to Arsene Wenger's requirements this season as Bacary Sagna continues to dominate proceedings at right back whilst Eboue is overpowered by the sheer number of midfielders unlike previous campaigns when the Ivory Coast international was often utilized as an attacker.
A mere 23 appearances have come for the 27 year old, predominantly in Cup competitions when Sagna is rested. Unless Sagna succumbs to a serious injury that it is unlikely that Eboue will ever play consistently which could ultimately push the Ivorian towards the exit as teams from the La Liga, French Ligue and Serie A all show interest in acquiring one of Arsenal's most beloved performers.
Furthermore Wenger is said to be eager to secure the services of highly touted teenage right back Šime Vrsaljko which would compensate if Eboue does depart. Youngsters Gavin Hoyte and Sead Hajrovic are promising prospects capable of playing deputy to Bacary Sagna.
However all Arsenal fans will be hoping that Emmanuel Eboue remains longer.
5. Buy Šime Vrsaljko from Dinamo Zagreb
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As mentioned in the previous slide, Emmanuel Eboue's departure could materialize should Wenger sign teenage sensation Šime Vrsaljko. The Dinamo Zagreb right back is sought after by a number of big name clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City Chelsea and Tottenham but Wenger is set to intensify his bid for the 19 year old.
Vrsaljko is already a Croatian international and has shown great defensive and attacking prowess with Zagreb, at 19 the starlet is the future of Croatian football and has the potential to thrive and succeed Bacary Sagna with the guidance of Wenger.
Ofcourse such a blossoming talent will not come cheaply with Dinamo Zagreb demanding up to £8 million for their highly talented defender, whether Wenger will secure Šime Vrsaljko remains to be unseen.
4. Sign Some Unknown Talent
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Arguably the most likeliest option, Wenger is almost certain to tentatively shy away from renowned, more expensive talents and purchase a young, unknown player who will gradually become a strong, effective signing but ultimately surplus to the requirements of establishing a dominant squad capable of overthrowing the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona.
Defender Laurent Koscielny was 2010/2011's surprise Arsenal signing and the Frenchman has emerged as a tough, doughty centre half for the Gunners. Wenger has had the opportunity to secure the likes of Per Mertesacker, Christopher Samba, Mark Schwarzer and Shay Given in recent years— signings who would be hugely beneficial to the Arsenal squad but ultimately signs the cheaper, promising signing.
Not that it is hurting the North London club, Wenger has saved Arsenal Football Club millions alongside establishing superb, quality players at cheap prices whilst United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City continue to spend to uphold their dominance in World Football.
3. Sign Leighton Baines from Everton
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It has emerged in recent weeks that contract talks with first choice Arsenal left back Gael Clichy is stalling with contract talks and could be headed for an exit following the conclusion of the season. Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus are all highly interested in the experienced Frenchman and with risk of losing Clichy for free at the end of next season, Wenger intends to cash in on his left back.
With that prospect materializing, Wenger has turned to Leighton Baines as a possible replacement should Gael Clichy depart. The Everton left back is a consistent performer for the Toffees and highly regarded throughout England for his tough, no nonsense defending, tireless work rate and threatening attacks.
The 26 year old has played over 150 times in the Premier League for Wigan Athletic and Everton thus rendering him a veteran in the EPL. Although David Moyes will not be keen to allow his defensive dynamo to depart, cash strapped Everton may look to offload Baines for £10 million to relieve debt trouble. A price more than appealing for Wenger, however the Frenchman faces stiff competition from Liverpool.
2. Loan out Kieran Gibbs to a Premier League Side
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Regardless if Gael Clichy departs or Leighton Baines arrived, deputy left back Kieran Gibbs needs to play consistent football which could warrant Wenger to allow the 21 year old to experience a loan spell with a Premier League side in order to really flourish and blossom.
Since arriving on the Arsenal scene in 2008/2009 when an injury curtailed Clichy's season late on, Gibbs established himself as a quality left back who is blessed with impressive strength speed and feet. However an injury ravished 2009/2010 and a struggle to play consistently this season has seen the English international suffer a diminish in reputation and confidence.
Gibbs has appeared a measly 17 times this season which is far too low for a player of the young guns quality. With young left backs Pedro Botelho and Armand Traore returning from loan spells next season, Wenger will be well equipped with left back depth regardless of the Baines/Clichy saga enabling Gibbs to experience a much needed loan spell.
1. Not Sign a New Keeper
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The recent weeks has not only seen Arsenal suffer a frustrating demise, but an increase in goalkeepers linked to the Emirates has also emerged. This comes as a slight surprise and months too late. At the beginning of the season Arsenal were enduring a goalkeeping conundrum with Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski failing to suffice as the predominant first choice keepers.
However in the opening half of the season, Fabianski matured greatly and finally developed into the keeper Wenger promised he would. Unfortunately a shoulder dislocation ended the Polish shotstopper's season in December but it failed to harm Arsenal as boom youngster who was highly regarded by Wenger, became the Arsenal first choice and showed superb form before a recent finger injury in March.
Despite the emergence of two young and capable keepers, the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Maarten Stekelenburg and Ali Al-Habsi have all be linked with moves to the Emirates. All three are quality prospects who would be superb at Arsenal but can one really picture Wenger signing a keeper when the Frenchman boast such quality in that department?
Furthermore Italian keeper Vito Mannone, who enjoyed a stellar loan spell with Hull City earlier in the season before various injuries have restricted the Italian U-21 stars impact, is a promising option too and is more than capable of being the Arsenal number one.
Wenger will be concentrating solely on the defence one would imagine.
