Arsenal Transfer Prospect: Ranking the Top 15 Players Linked with Wenger
After the horrific demise which Arsenal football club have endured in the last two and a half months, it didn't seem possible that the Gunner's campaign could worsen and provide an even bigger burden to their fans. The North London giants enjoyed the predominant period of 2010/2011 trailing English Premier League Champions Manchester United by thrilling margins, and Arsene Wenger's men are now in danger of finishing a hugely disappointing fourth, alongside no silverware for the sixth successive season.
This has provided the Arsenal fans with an almost unthinkable conundrum, which can only be eradicated through the up coming Summer transfer window. There is no denying Wenger has a squad of great calibre, but certain aspects appear to be lacking that are restricting the Gunners from fulfilling their evident potential.
The defensive line has never properly evoked the quality to adequately challenge for the English Premier League or UEFA Champions League whilst psychologically Wenger's side lacks the ability to deal with pressure and defeats alongside the inability to maintain strong leads. Furthermore, although the starting XI is of a high standard, akin to Barcelona's, the fringe players struggle to repeat the heroics when injuries occur.
So after sixth seasons now of heartbreak and frustration Wenger is using his last throw of the dice, one the Frenchman has neglected since his arrival in North London way back in 1996. The tactician has vowed to utilize his budget, spend money and implement changes into his youthful squad that can hopefully result in the satisfaction of success.
But will anything materialize for Arsenal?
Every transfer window, there are numerous big name players linked, but rarely does anything actually come clean for Wenger. Will the hunger and desire finally overpower the Frenchman, or is World Football destined to see another feeble Arsenal in the transfer window?
Already there have been endless rumours, but just how much potential lurks behind the reports?
This slideshow ranks the top 15 Arsenal rumours.
15. Lassana Diarra-Real Madrid: £12 Million
1 of 15
The former Arsenal midfielder, according to the Daily Mirror and Football Talk, is back on Wenger's radar after the midfielder has grown unhappy with his role at Spanish giants Real Madrid. The Frenchman endured a short five months stint at the Emirates, signed from rivals Chelsea for an undisclosed fee at the beginning of the 2007/2008 season, Diarra failed to enforce his presence on Wenger's XI, playing a total of 13 matches in all competitions. The French international subsequently departed to Portsmouth in January for £5.5 million.
There has never been any denying the talent and quality of the 26-year-old, whose tenacious, incisive midfield play has been strong for Madrid in recent seasons. Arsenal midfield has been criticized for its lack of depth and ability to handle tougher, more physical sides, but it is unlikely Wenger will invest in the disgruntled Lassan Diarra, especially at an estimated £12 million.
14. Mario Götze-Borussia Dortmund: Undisclosed
2 of 15
Borussia Dortmund's teenage sensation was a prime target for Wenger after the 18-year-old enjoyed a stellar season in the German Bundesliga. Amassing 41 appearances and eight goals, the young midfielder was a standout for Dortmund, and it was believed Wenger was eager to secure the services of the German international with play makers Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri having their Arsenal futures under concern.
However, the German giants have announced that unless Wenger is willing to pay a large amount, there is little chance their teenage sensation will depart Germany.
13. Samir Nasri-Arsenal: £30 Million
3 of 15
It has been quite the season for French play maker Samir Nasri. After two seasons at the Emirates in which the obvious talent and quality of the former Marseille dynamo was quelled with injuries and inconsistency, the 23-year-old became one of the best attacking midfielders this season, particularly in the first half of the campaign, before a slight drop that channelled Arsenal's demise.
Forty four appearances, 15 goals and engraving his name in the PFA Team of the Year, has ensured Nasri is wanted by a number of big name sides, and with the French international's ongoing contract dispute with Wenger, Bayern Munich are rumoured to be weighing up a £30 million bid for Nasri.
Although it is quite a sum for Wenger, it is increasingly likely Nasri will re-sign with the Gunners.
12. Romelu Lukaku-Anderlecht: £18 Million
4 of 15
One of the brightest young talents in World Football, Romelu Lukaku is a striker most clubs desire. In his first full season, last campaign, the Belgium striker completed 45 appearances for Belgium giants Anderlecht, securing 19 goals.This season, Lukaku boats 40 appearances with 18 goals, and he just turned 18.
Touted as the next Didier Drogba, the young striker is said to be worth up to £20 million by Anderlecht, and although Arsenal sent scouts, not for the first time, to watch 18-year old sensation Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to arrive at the Emirates due to Wenger's tentative nature to spend big alongside a crowded forward line.
11. Bacary Sagna-Arsenal: £20 Million
5 of 15
According to Transfer Tavern, Bayern Munich are also set to lodge a £20 million to Arsenal's unsung hero Bacary Sagna. Easily one of the best right backs in World Football, the Frenchman has been a revelation since arriving at the Emirates in 2008 from Auxerre for £8.5 million.
A tough, no nonsense full back, the 28-year-old is one of the last players to depart the Gunners even if for £20 million. However it should not be ruled out.
10. Scott Parker-West Ham: £10-16 Million
6 of 15
West Ham were officially relegated from the English Premier League following a 3-2 defeat inflicted by Wigan Athletic. The Hammers had always been likely contenders to endure the awful return to Championship football, and now every side in the Premier League is salivating over the prospect of Scott Parker.
The West Ham captain admitted he would depart Upton Park should the London side commit to relegation. It has occurred, and now the 30-year-old, who has enjoyed a stellar season despite West Ham's disastrous campaign, is open for negotiation.
According to Metro, Arsenal have been linked with a move for the England international, who is considered one of the strongest and toughest midfielders in the league; however, it is unlikely Wenger will be able to secure Parker, as other sides have the ability to charge considerably higher.
9. Leighton Baines-Everton: £8-14 Million
7 of 15
Veteran left back Gael Clichy is another member of the Arsenal squad who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates. World Football giants Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus are all speculated to be interested in acquiring the 25-year-old, whose form has curtailed in recent seasons.
This has resulted in rumours linking Wenger with replacements for Clichy, with Everton's Leighton Baines atop of the list. The English left back is a renowned figure in the EPL and touted as one of the best left backs in the league too.
Everton are also rumoured to be struggling financially and may be forced into selling some big name players, but regardless, Wenger is said to be confident of maintaining Gael Clichy.
8. Sedar Tasci-Vfb Stuttgart-£10 Million
8 of 15
According to First Post, VfB Stuttgart centre half Sedar Tasci is high on Wenger's summer shopping list, with the Arsenal manager to lodge a £10 million bid for the German. Wenger has been a keen admirer of the 24-year-old for a number of seasons now and has utilized scouts to watch the Stuggart defender alongside reportedly attemptint to sign Tasci last season.
A tenacious, imposing defender, the German international has enjoyed a strong season in the German Bundesliga with 29 appearances for the Reds but desires a move to the Premier League. Blessed with over 160 games for Vfb Stuttgart and international experience, Tasci is valued at the same price that Wenger acquired current centre halves Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny at, with the German currently considered superior to the Arsenal duo.
However, with defence a priority, Wenger may be forced to acquire a defender with distinct EPL experience.
7. Morgan Amalafitano-Lorient FC: Free Agent
9 of 15
According to Mirrorfootball.co.uk, Arsene Wenger has made an offer for Lorient FC midfielder Morgan Amalfitano. The 26-year old is off contract when the season concludes, which has forced a number of clubs, including Aston Villa and Liverpool, to eagerly chase the Frenchman.
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has also highlighted the strong ability of the midfielder to Wenger, which may force the Arsenal manager into to Amalafitano's signature. However, with Wenger boasting a large amount of midfield talent, there may be not enough room, forcing the Lorient FC to settle with the other clubs eagerly chasing.
6. Mamadou Sakho-Paris Saint-Germain: £12 Million
10 of 15
The French defender has long been touted as a Wenger signing, with the Arsenal manager a huge fan of the 20-year-old, who has over 130 appearances for French giants PSG, where Sakho made his debut as a 17-year-old.
A tough, tenacious defender who many regard as a presence who can eradicate the frailties in the Arsenal back line, Wenger is set to offer £12 million for the PSG captain but faces competition from Liverpool and Tottenham.
5. Kévin Gameiro-Lorient FC: £14 Million
11 of 15
The French striker has long been admired by Arsene Wenger, and with Arsenal strike duo Andrei Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner both boasting uncertain futures, Wenger is rumoured to be keen to secure the 24- year-old.
Gameiro has enjoyed a stellar season with 22 goals in 36 appearances, and with the French international desiring to play in the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League, stating Arsenal as his favoured destination, the efficient forward could well be on his way to the Emirates, but it may be dependent on whether others depart.
4. Jan Vertonghen-Ajax: £12 Million
12 of 15
The Ajax centre half is another prospect who has been continually voiced as the ideal Arsenal defender. The tough, imposing Belgium is destined to depart the Dutch league and Arsenal are rumoured to be leading the chase for his signature despite interest from Manchester City.
Ajax are willing to sell the 24-year-old given the correct price rumoured to be around £12 million. Wenger acquired Thomas Vermaelen in 2009 from Dutch giants Ajax for £10 million, and in his first season, the Belgium conveyed superb defensive prowess, finishing the season with 45 appearances, eight goals and a place in the PFA Team of the Year alongside being named one of the Arsenal Player of the Season.
Vertonghen possesses a similar style to Vermaelen, and with defenders destined to come to Arsenal, Jan Vertonghen is a prime option.
3. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain-Southampton: £10 Million
13 of 15
The young star was Wenger's main January Transfer Window target, but a deal failed to materialize. The 17-year-old, who is touted as the next Theo Walcott, has enjoyed a superb season in which Chamberlain made the League One Team of the Year.
Manchester United were also vigorously chasing the English winger, but Arsenal are said to be the desired destination of the Southampton star, with the deal now dependent on whether or not the League One outfit can agree to a fee.
2. Karim Benzema-Real Madrid: £25 Million
14 of 15
Goal.com, along with numerous other sources, has stated Wenger is in deep negotiation with Real Madrid Jose Mourinho over the future of striker Karim Benzema. The French forward requirements are no longer vital at the Bernabeu, with Wenger, who is a huge fan of the 23-year old, prepared to make a bid of £20 million for the sharp shooter.
However, there is talk the deal could rise to as much as £40 million. There is no denying the calibre of Benzema, who has 24 goals in 46 appearances this term for Madrid: a strong, fast striker who Wenger believes will thrive under the Arsenal style of play.
Benzema is touted as a keen admirer of the Gunners, and a deal may well be imminent.
1. Cesc Fabregas-Arsenal: Undisclosed
15 of 15
Will it finally happen?
The Arsenal captain has long been linked with a move back to his boyhood club Barcelona. It looked destined during last summer, but the Spaniard stayed with Arsenal. However, after the trauma of 2010/2011, it is very likely Wenger will give in and sell Cesc Fabregas to the Spanish giants. The fee is still up for estimation, but it is hard to imagine the 24-year-old will remain at the Emirates.
