Arsenal FC Transfer Prospects: The 10 Best Replacements for Andrei Arshavin
Despite Arsenal's admirable, tough 1-0 victory over vicious rivals and English Premier League leaders Manchester United, the Gunners season is destined to conclude without the reward of silverware for the sixth successive season.
Arsene Wenger's men endured a capitulation in recent months which ultimately defined their campaign thus rendering fans and critics to turn their attention to next season.
One of the main topics is the depth and calibre of the Arsenal squad. There is no denying the obvious talent and ability Wenger's young side boasts. After all, Wenger has spent the last few seasons declining the transfer window in order to nurture and develop a young squad into a World Football powerhouse.
However, the impatient Arsenal faithful have grown frustrated with the occasional inconsistency of certain players, demanding their departure be imminent.
Wenger has vowed to implement changes into his squad, but it is unlikely mass changes in both buying and selling will occur. However, one player, who for sometime now has been linked with a move away from the Emirates, is Russian dynamo Andrei Arshavin.
Since the 29-year-old's £15 million move from Russian giants Zenit Saint Petersburg in January 2009, Arshavin's reputation and love from the fans has slightly diminished despite a stellar beginning period with the Gunners.
2010/2011 has exposed the Russian captain at times as a somewhat lazy and disinterested figure who appears to lack motivation. It has been no means a poor season from Arshavin who boasts a stunning 43 appearances, 10 goals and 17 assists for Wenger.
However, calls for the dynamo's departure have seemed to intensify in recent weeks and numerous rumours compliment this possibility.
Should Arshavin depart North London, it enables Wenger to have sufficient squad space to target a quality, new attacking presence who can be acquired thanks to the Frenchman's funds.
This is not to say Andrei Arshavin will depart Arsenal for sure, but should the Russian leave, here are the top 10 replacements.
10. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
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The replacement does not necessarily have to come externally, with a number of valid internal replacements present. Wenger is known for his tentative transfer approach which could see the Frenchman opt to utilizing the exciting array of young attacking talent that is at Wenger's disposal.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been a promising prospect who Arsenal fans have been eager to see flourish. The English sharpshooter has been particularly strong on various loan spells which have evoked great potential.
Stints with Doncaster, Blackpool and currently Cardiff City, all in the Championship, have provided the 20-year-old with valuable experience over the last two seasons alongside five Arsenal first-team appearances. A dominant force in the Gunner's reserve and academy, many believe the versatile forward has the ability to be a big name presence in England should Thomas maintain a positive attitude and work rate.
Equally adept on the wings and as a striker, Emmanuel-Thomas is expected to challenge for first-team honours come next season and should Andrei Arshavin depart, the English starlet could be a straight-out replacement.
9. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain-Southampton
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The highly touted winger was widely chased by Arsene Wenger and the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham during January, with Wenger even offering £5 million for the Southampton dynamo.
However, the Saints rejected the offer, but it is certain the 17-year-old will depart Southampton this summer with Arsenal rumoured as the favourites.
Renowned for a superb amount of speed and balance, Chamberlain is heading for big things and under Wenger's guidance, the youngster could thrive at a rapid rate, particularly if there is a massive opportunity to play consistently in the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Many believe Chamberlain has the speed and attacking prowess to become the next Theo Walcott, Arsenal's star right winger. Wenger could potentially boast two of the fastest players in English football on his respective flank.
8. Gervinho-Lille
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The 23-year-old has been prolific in the French Ligue particularly this season as Lille surge towards title triumph. A big fan of the Gunners, Gervinho has expressed his interest to join the North London giants despite the interest of a number of other clubs.
Wenger has speculated to signing the Ivory Coast international as the Frenchman is a strong fan of Gervinho. What's even better for the French tactician is that the Ivorian rejected a recent contract extension from the Mastifs and is now destined for departure from the French League with £10.5 million price tag on his head.
7. Willian-Shakhtar Donetsk
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The highly rated 22-year-old has been kept on close watch by a number of Arsenal scouts who believe the Shakhtar attacker can thrive in the English Premier League. The Brazilian is a prolific, quick winger who has impressed in the Ukrainian league with Champions and Arsenal's 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League group stage rivals Shakhtar Dontesk.
The Ukrainian kings are said to want around £22 million for their young star who boasts over 100 appearances and 20 goals for the Miners. Wenger will obviously be reluctant to spend so much on a promising talent, but should the price drop, Willian is certainly a valid option.
The Brazilian U-21 star has brilliant feet and admirable balance, who can also play as a defender if necessary.
6. Radamel Falcao-FC Porto
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The Colombian striker has been incredibly prolific this season for Portuguese giants FC Porto and many predict a move to either the La Liga or EPL is very imminent. A tough, intelligent forward, Falcao boasts an amazing 69 goals in 82 games for Porto, 35 of which have come this season.
The 25-year-old's efforts have ensured that Porto request a heavy fee for their superstar, believed to be worth upward of £35 million. Falcao evokes all the traits to become a Thierry Henry like presence for the Gunners however Wenger may be tentative to chase the highly rated striker.
5. Carlos Vela
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Another internal option and a very realistic one too. Vela was loaned out to West Bromwich Albion during the termination of the January transfer window after failure to receive consistent first team opportunities under Wenger.
The Frenchman and the Arsenal faithful are well aware of the potential and ability the Mexican sharp shooter boasts, but a crowded Gunner's forward line restricted him to 60 appearances, predominantly from the bench, in three seasons.
Although Roy Hodgson has only gifted little time for the 22-year-old, Vela has shown promise in the Premier League and many hope the Osasuna loanee can return to first team opportunity at the Emirates. If Andrei Arshavin departs, it does give Vela a prime opportunity to cement his role in the Arsenal first team.
But is Carlos good enough?
4. Hulk-FC Porto
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The heroically named striker is a strong, powerful option who combines speed and strength impressively to bring a threatening approach to a side's front line. The Porto striker has enjoyed a stellar season as the Dragons took out the Portruguese crown with Hulk contributing 33 goals in 49 appearances.
Wenger has tracked the Brazilian for a number of years now but a deal has failed to materialize. However, despite being a slightly expensive prospect, the 24-year-old could be a surprise signing for Wenger.
3. Salomon Kalou-Chelsea
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It may seem like an audacious prospect, but Chelsea's Salomon Kalou could well be a surprise signing for the Gunners. There is no shortage of funds at the Emirates and with many rumours linking both Arsenal players to Chelsea and Chelsea players to Arsenal, one cannot rule out Salomon Kalou.
The Ivorian would be an ideal replacement for Arshavin as the 25-year-old boasts terrific experience in the Premier League and is a superb talent. A devastating threat down the wing, Kalou is one of the most impressive attackers in the EPL when on form.
It would of course take quite a sum for Carlo Ancelotti to sell his African dynamo, but one cannot rule out anything in football.
2. Kevin Gameiro-Lorient FC
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French players often thrive at Arsenal. With Wenger, a renowned French tactician, and a high number of French presences in the Arsenal squad, it's no surprise that most of Wenger's signings are French or of French descent.
One Frenchman who has been a clinical presence in the French league this season is Lorient FC striker Kévin Gameiro. The small yet efficient forward has secured a more-than-impressive 17 goals in 26 appearance for his French side, and many believe the 23-year-old will thrive in the Premier League.
With majority of Arsenal's strikers, tall, imposing powerful players, Gamerio would instill a much-needed poacher effect to the Gunners' attack, as well as speed and composure in front of goal.
With Andrei Arshavin's future uncertain, the Frenchman would be a strong replacement, and with Arsenal boasting an even stronger relationship with Lorient FC, a more-than-useful deal would almost certain to carved out as the French side enjoy utilizing Arsenal's youngsters on loan.
1. Eden Hazard-Lille
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The hottest prospect in World Football, the Belgium winger is wanted all around Europe, and it's easy to see why.
A devastating attacker, Hazard is blessed with amazing speed and balance alongside great creativity and a ferocious shot. Boasting over 130 appearances for French giants Lille and 19 Belgium National caps, Hazard ticks every box.
Did we mention he's only 20?
Many have likened the Belgium magician to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo due to his explosive style of play. The young gun made his debut for Lille as a 16-year-old and has since won the UNFP Young Player of the Year award twice as well as being named in French League Team of the Year.
Lille are currently top of the French table and Hazard has been integral in the achievement, the Mastifs are well aware of their dynamo's talent and the attraction the Belgium international is materializing, and it is said the French side are asking for up to £30 million
