Arsenal Transfer Prospects: The Top 10 Replacements for Denilson
With Arsenal 2010/2011 certain to conclude without the satisfaction of silverware for the sixth successive season, the need for success has intensfied immensely on Wenger with fans and critics alike demanding he implement changes into his youthful squad by purchasing quality presences with the increased funds at the Frenchman's disposal.
This has ensured that even with the Summer Transfer Window still days away, a host of high calibre players have been linked with a move to the Gunners in all departments. However, nothing appears certain for Wenger in terms of securing services, but it looms that already, the Frenchman has found his first departing player. Denílson Pereira Neves
The Brazilian midfielder, who arrived to the Emirates in 2006 from Brazilian giants Sao Paulo for £3.4 million, announced he would quit the North London giants this Summer, expressing his desire to perform in either Italy or Spain. The 23-year-old has not enjoyed a strong past couple of seasons in the Red and White, with the Arsenal faithful turning particularly harshly on the former Sao Paulo young gun.
2010/2011 has been particularly disappointing for Denilson, with teenage sensation Jack Wilshere and renowned defensive midfielder Alexandre Song stabilizing their places beside captain Cesc Fabregas in the Arsenal midfield trio restricting the Brazilian's impact.
When Denilson did receive opportunities during his 32 appearances this season, the former Brazil U-17 captain had a tendency to evoke lethargy and erratic passing. During Arsenal's horrific demise in the last three months, the Samba star failed to adequately replace injuries of Fabregas and Song, which only weakened his reputation.
Denilson is reportedly a target for Lazio and Valencia with Wenger not to go out of his way to convince his lone South American to maintain his presence in North London. Although not the fanciest or most skillful players, Denilson was a solid contributor whose calibre was distorted by the judgemental Arsenal fans.
None the less it materializes an opportunity for another player to challenge for first team honours, whether internal or external, so this slideshow ranks the 10 best replacements for Denilson.
10. Ricky Alvarez-Velez Sarsfield
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The Argentine midfielder is reportedly incredibly close to signing with the Gunners from Argentinian outfit Velez Sarsfield. A tall, imposing midfielder who boasts impressive speed and strength, the 23-year-old is believed to be joining the Arsenal squad in June at the conclusion of the Argentina season.
Although Alvarez possess a much more attacking and creative game then Denilson, the Brazilian's departure does alleviate space in the Arsenal first team squad for the Argentine midfielder to come straight in a replace.
Still a young prospect who has been particularly impressive this season, Alvarez could easily become another one of Wenger's cheap gems who triumphs on the World Football stage.
9. Chuks Aneke
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A highly touted Arsenal youngster who is considered one of the best teenagers in England. A powerful midfielder, who has been at the notorious Arsenal academy at the age of eight, is destined to make the transition into a first team fringe player next season or experience a debut loan spell.
However with Denilson's departure imminent, Wenger could utilize the opportunity by blooding Aneke directly into the first team fray. Many have expressed their admiration of the composed, strong midfield play Aneke possesses and believe big things are destined for the teenager.
Certainly a raw option, but if injuries transpire next season, then there is a heavy chance Aneke could feature for Wenger. Furthermore, don't rule out a Carling Cup appearance, too.
8. Kyle Bartley
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It may seem like a "silly" option, as Bartley is primarily a central defender, but in the former Arsenal reserve captain's stellar loan spell with Scottish giants Rangers, in which the spell was cut shot due to a knee ligament injury, the Englishman was consistently used in the defensive midfield role in which Bartley conveyed performances of strong composure and strengths and an impressive reading of the game.
The 20-year-old, who made his Arsenal debut in 2009, has experienced two loan spells with Sheffield United in the last two seasons, where Bartley has shown rapid development and gained vital experience. However, there was speculation the youngster's services were surplus at the Emirates, with Wenger set to send Bartley back to Rangers.
Despite showing more defensive efficiency than Arsenal fourth choice centre half Sebastien Squillaci, an opportunity could arise for the former Bolton youth as a deputy midfielder alongside a defender. Bartley is a renowned leader and possess experience at even European level after performing in Rangers UEFA Cup progress.
A tough, non nonsense figure who could provide immensely versatile and useful for Wenger.
7. Emmanuel Frimpong
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The defensive midfielder enjoyed a stellar preseason and was destined to figure prominently in the Arsenal first team in 2010/2011 before a serious cruciate ligament injury only days into the season resulted in Emmanuel Frimpong absent for six months, preventing his professional debut.
The Ghanian midfielder was earmarked for promise this season alongside Jack Wilshere after conveying impressive strength and composure, akin to Alexandre Song. However, the 19-year-old has had his development curtailed, but returned to full training over a month ago and is said to be returning to his former footballing self.
If Frimpong can repeat the heroics of last Summer's preseason, then it is likely the teenager will retrieve his place in the Arsenal first team and make his long awaited Arsenal debut.
6. Francis Coquelin
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The young Frenchman has spent 2010/2011 on loan at French side Lorient FC as part of the deal that saw Laurent Koscielny arrive at the Emirates last Summer. Coquelin has been more than impressive in Ligue 1 with 24 appearances and one goal, showing great ability in the defensive midfield.
A highly regarded youngster who arrived at the Emirates in 2008 from Stade Lavallois, Coquelin was initially attempted as a right back in Wenger's FA Cup squads but struggled upon first team opportunities. After featuring heavily all season for Les Merlus, it is rumoured the Frenchman may remain with Lorient FC as Arsenal attempt to utilize his presence in deals for either striker Kevin Gameiro and Morgan Amalfitano.
However, the 20-year-old could provide adequate depth in the Arsenal midfield now that Coquelin boasts experience and form. A similar style to Denilson, Francis Coquelin is certainly one for the future.
5. Conor Henderson
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Henderson has developed strongly in recent years and was rewarded with his Arsenal debut this season, starting in Arsenal fifth round FA Cup replay match against League One side Leyton Orient. A creative, quick midfielder who is blessed with great balance and feet is destined to challenge for first team honours next season.
The 19-year-old has the ability to take Denilson's number in the Arsenal squad and continue his growth in the Arsenal first team; however, there is speculation the Ireland U-21 star could spend 2011/2012 on loan in the Championship or Scottish Premier League.
A natural talent who many in the Arsenal academy believe can eradicate a slight tendency of inconsistency and lethargy can certainly make it in the Arsenal first team.
4. Jack Rodwell-Everton
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One of the strongest and sought after young midfielders in the English Premier League. The 20-year-old, who was one of the youngest Everton debutantes at the tender age of 16, has become an integral part of the Everton midfielder in the last few seasons and is said to be worth up to £20 million by David Moyes.
Arsene Wenger is a keen admirer of the England U-21 star, who has the ability to play as a playmaker or defensive midfielder and even in the defence. With the Frenchman's increased funds coupled Denilson's departure and rumoured others, the Arsenal manager would be able to entice Rodwell, who has UEFA Champions League desires.
With over 65 appearances in the EPL, Rodwell has experience and calibre and would be a sublime signing for the Gunners, with only cost restricting a signature. Manchester United are also eyeing the youngster.
3. Morgan Amalfitano-Lorient FC
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The Lorient FC midfielder has enjoyed an admirable season in the French league and is now off contract with Les Merlus, ensuring Amalfitano is a free agent strengthening his appeal. The 26-year-old is a tenacious yet skillful midfielder who possess an incisive passing range and impressive technical ability.
A number of clubs, including Juventus and Aston Villa, are chasing the Frenchman, but it is believed Wenger is leading the race for Amalfitano's services due to his desires to play in the EPL and the UEFA Champions League.
A strong replacement for Denilson who would implement pressure on the likes of Wilshere and Alexandre Song to perform consistently or risk losing their place to the in form Morgan Amalfitano.
2. Phil Jones-Blackburn
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A tough, consistent midfielder and defender, Phil Jones has attracted the attention of all the big name clubs in the Premier League after an impressive 27 performances for Blackburn this campaign before injuries intervened.
However the 19-year-old holds Arsenal in the highest regard, expressing his interest to join the Emirates. Wenger has been a notable fan of the teenage and is rumoured to be preparing a bid for the young Englishman. Blackburn manager Steve Kean is reportedly demanding £15 million for his young star.
Jones would instill a more physical, imposing presence into the Arsenal midfielder and has the ability to fulfil defensive holes if necessary. An ideal replacement for Denilson.
1. Henri Lansbury
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Henri Lansbury has risen and risen in respective loan spells with Scunthorpe United, Watford and Norwich City in the last three seasons and is now regarded as a definite Arsenal first team candidate. This season has been particularly impressive for the 20-year-old, as his 23 appearances and four goals help Norwich City achieve automatic promotion to the English Premier League.
A creative, intelligent midfielder who also scored for the Gunners during Arsenal's 4-1 thrashing of rivals Tottenham in the Carling Cup during the opening exchanges of the season, Lansbury is believed to be wanted by Norwich City on loan again in the English Premier League, which would be immensely valuable. But with Denilson's imminent departure, it could be finally time for the Englishmen to become a first team regular.
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