Arsenal Transfer Prospects: The Top 10 Potential Replacements for Samir Nasri
2010-2011 is destined to conclude as a disastrous campaign for Arsenal. After conveying a strong and organised football approach for the predominant period of the season, the last two and a half months evoked a demise in the Gunners which resulted in Wenger's men failing in every competition to end the season. For the sixth successive season, they are without the satisfaction of silverware.
However, it was not all a tumultuous campaign for the North London giants. Despite the increasing burden of no real trophy success, there are numerous positives to retract from 2010-2011. One in particular, which many Arsenal fans will regard as one of the most enlightening transitions of the season, was the new found form and dominance of Samir Nasri.
The French playmaker had his best season in the red and white since arriving at the Emirates in 2008 from French giants Olympique de Marseille for £12 million.
Early season injuries to key attackers Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner ensured the 24 year old was able to thrive with added attacking responsibility, and the Frenchman was easily the Premier League's best player in the first half of the season. Although Nasri's form quelled in the second stage of the season, which channelled Arsenal's demise, the dynamo has enjoyed a stellar season of 44 appearances and 15 goals, which was vindicated with selection in the PFA Team of the Year.
However, Nasri's efforts have immediately caught the eye of almost every big name side in Europe. What's worse for the Gunners is that the Frenchman only has a year remaining on his contract, and if Wenger is unable to resign his playmaker, then Arsenal risk losing Nasri at the conclusion of next season for free.
Although it appears Wenger is confidence Nasri will extend his current contract at the Emirates, nothing is certain, and already numerous rumours have arisen linking Nasri with a £30 million move to Bayern Munich whilst Inter Milan are also heavily linked.
If such a price is on the table, there is every chance Wenger may sell the French international, in which case the Arsenal manager will have room to purchase a quality replacement. This is not to say Samir Nasri is leaving Arsenal but the slideshow establish ten potential replacement should the midfielder leave the Emirates this Summer.
10. Mario Gotze: Borussia Dortmund
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The Borussia midfielder is touted as the best talent in Germany following a stellar season in the Bundesliga. Gotze amassed 41 appearances in his first full season with Dortmund, securing eight goals. An intelligent, quick midfielder, the German international is destined for a glistening career in World Football and evokes some similarities to Nasri.
Although Dortmund have stated they will not sell their teenage sensation, it is believed that if a large offer is evident, a deal could materialize. Should Wenger secure the £20-30 million price tag that is allegdy under Nasri, the French tactician would be able to tempt the German giants into a sale.
Gotze boasts strong first-team experience and conveys the ability to thrive under the Arsenal style of play. However Mario Gotze is no Samir Nasri.
9. Ryo Miyaichi
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Wenger does have an array of young, attacking talent at his disposal which ensures one cannot rule out an internal replacement. Although renowned as an attacking midfielder, Wenger consistently utilizes Nasri as the left winger in the Arsenal midfielder. At times is has provided the Gunners with attacking wonders but often Nasri tends to become anonymous out wide.
Should Nasri depart it would seem logical to replace the Frenchman with a natural winger. Fortunately, Wenger boasts one of the brightest young wingers in World Football at his disposal, with only work permit negotiation restricting Ryo Miyaichi from joining the Arsenal first team next season.
The Japanese dynamo was signed during the final day of the January Transfer Window after previously impressing on trial. The 18-year-old was forced to spend the rest of the season on loan with Dutch giants Feyernood due to work permit issues and the young gun has immediately impressed World Football with his flair, speed and balance.
In 11 appearances, Miyaichi has three goals and evoked comparisons to both Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. There is no denying the Japanese starlet's talent and quality, and Miyaichi is expected to grow rapidly should first team opportunity come his way.
8. Henri Lansbury
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Another strong internal option. Henri Lansbury has evoked promise for a number of seasons now after highlighting his ability with some strong loan spells. The midfielder progressed strongly last season with 39 appearances and five goals for Watford in the Championship, which has been followed by a stellar spell with Norwich City. Lansbury performed 23 times, scoring four goals as the Canaries achieved promotion into the English Premier League.
Earlier this season, the 20-year-old started for Wenger in Arsenal's League Cup triumph over rivals Tottenham in which Lansbury netted the opening goal. Many believe the Englishman has the ability to thrive in the Arsenal first team, with Lansbury expected to make the transition to the first team next season or experience a loan spell with a English Premier League side.
Should Nasri leave however, it opens the door for Lansbury to receive a prime opportunity for consistent first team.
7. Charles N'Zogbia: Wigan Athletic
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Wigan Athletic may still have a slight opportunity to avoid the money thrashing, heartbreaking reality of relegation, but regardless of how the Latics conclude 2010/2011, it is certain Charles N'Zogbia will depart the DW Stadium.
The Frenchman has been a consistent, threatening force in a dismantled Wigan attack for the last two seasons, and his form and ability have had the 24-year-old constantly linked with bigger clubs. However, it is rumoured N'Zogbia has intentions of playing in the UEFA Champions League and winning silverware which, in fairness, is something that appears just out of his reach at Wigan.
The former Newcastle midfielder is an admirer of the Gunners and has publicly stated prior his desire to joining Arsenal. N'Zogbia would be a strong replacement for Nasri as the French international is best utilized on the wing, but is equally as dominant as an attacking midfielder.
A cheap, effective option, N'Zogbia has 200 appearances in the EPL and has all the attacking flair to adapt at Arsenal.
6. Jack Rodwell: Everton
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Although Jack Rodwell may possess a completely different midfield dynamic to Samir Nasri, should the Frenchman depart it would create space in the Arsenal squad for the introduction of Rodwell. A young, powerful midfielder, the 20-year-old boasts a slightly more defensive game to Nasri but the youngster's presence would enable a tougher, stronger Arsenal midfield.
With over 65 appearances in the EPL and blessed with impressive feet and passing, Rodwell's figure would allow the likes of Jack Wilshere and captain Cesc Fabregas, if he too stays, to enjoy a more attacking role whilst the Englishman partners with Alexandre Song as defensive maestros.
A huge talent, Manchester City and Manchester United are both chasing the Everton starlet who is said to be worth up to £20 million.
5. Scott Parker: West Ham
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West Ham were officially relegated following their 3-2 defeat to Wigan Athletic, which is a horrid burden for the fans, but provides salivation for every other EPL side as captain Scott Parker is on the market. The Englishman admitted he would depart the Hammers should they endure relegation.
Parker has enjoyed a heroic season despite the London side's woes and was considered one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Although boasting little attacking similarities to Nasri, the Frenchman's possible departure would allow for the funds and space required to secure the 30-year-old's services.
Many fans have voiced their demands for Wenger to implement Parker's presence into the Arsenal midfield, as many believe the former Newcastle United midfielder would provide Arsenal with the tenacity and courage their midfield desperately requires.
Rumoured to be around £15 million after West Ham's worsened financial state, regardless of Nasri's future, Scott Parker is a big target for the Gunners.
4. Morgan Amalfitano: Lorient FC
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A composed, powerful midfielder, Amalfitano has amassed over 120 appearances for Les Merlus and has enjoyed a strong season in the French Ligue One. Wenger is believed to have been heavily impressed with the skill and strength of the former Sedan enforcer and hopes to execute Arsenal's strong relationship they boast with Lorient FC to convince Amalfitano to join the Emirates.
What is so appealing about Wenger is that the French midfielder would join Arsenal on a free transfer. A versatile play maker, Amalfitano has been likened to former Arsenal great Patrick Vieira and possesses admirable passing and tackling ability.
Not the ideal replacement should Nasri exit the Emirates but a strong one none the less.
3. Milos Krasic: Juventus
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A superb replacement should Samir Nasri depart the Emirates. Krasic has enjoyed a stellar debut season with Italian giants Juventus after thriving with CSK Moscow for six years in the Russian League. 40 appearances conjuring 8 goals has ensured many praises have been aroused for the 26-year-old playmaker.
Krasic is a smart, evasive midfielder, who like Nasri thrives in the centre of the field but is often utilized as a winger. Krasic has been on Wenger's radar for some time now, and the Frenchman is a huge fan of the Serbian's style of play.
Although yet to be directly linked with the Gunners this season, if Nasri departed Wenger would have efficient funds to tempt Juventus into selling their Serbian star.
2. Ashley Young: Aston Villa
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Ashley Young is destined to depart Aston Villa at the conclusion of the season after the English winger was speculated with moves elsewhere for majority of the season. Manchester United and Liverpool are suggested as the main contenders, but Wenger could have an opportunity to tempt the 25-year-old who could become the direct wing replacement for Nasri.
Regarded as one of the best attackers in the Premier League, Young is a huge attacking threat. Blessed with speed, balance and a ferocious shot that is also evident from set pieces, the English international would be a superb addition to the Arsenal squad.
A natural leader who boasts over 170 appearances in the English Premier League, Young's presence would certainly mitigate the huge loss of Samir Nasri. Rumoured to be worth around £20 million.
1. Eden Hazard: Lille OSC
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The hottest prospect in World Football and the best replacement should Nasri leave, 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.
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