Arsenal Transfer Rumors: 5 Players That Can Put the Gunners over the Top
Arsenal FC have just finished their sixth consecutive season without a trophy and will have to go through Champions League qualifying in order to play in the most important club tournament next season.
A late-season slump doomed the Gunners. Following a 1-0 victory over Stoke City on Feb. 23, Arsenal finished the season on a 2-3-6 slide in league play, while also losing in the Carling Cup final, FA Cup quarterfinals, and Champions League round of 16 during that time span.
Although Arsenal supporters were very vocal about the need for ownership to spend more money, the team is only a few pieces away from being legitimate contenders for the Premier League crown.
The Gunners had enough offensive talent to compete with top-level competition throughout the season, but the defense was exposed in key moments. The most notable letdown was against Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16, which saw the Arsenal defense struggle to gain possession, leading to 12 shots on goal for the Lionel Messi-led squad in route to a 3-1 victory and advancement on aggregate.
With that in mind, here are five possible acquisitions to help Arsenal cure their defensive woes and become championship contenders once again.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
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Coming off a successful season at Everton that saw him net five goals, Baines is frequently a part of transfer window fodder.
The English international may be more known for his ball skills than his defensive prowess, but Baines was solid in his own third this season for the Toffees. He found his best form near the end of the season when he scored four goals in the season's final nine games to help Everton finish strong.
Having started 75 of the past 76 games for Everton the past two seasons, his fitness is rarely in question, making him one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League.
Scott Parker (West Ham United)
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Parker is one of the most talked-about possible transfers of this summer. With West Ham United being relegated following a disappointing season that saw the Hammers finish with a league-worst 33 points and minus-27 goal differential, many believe Parker will find a new home before next season.
Following another strong season, Parker was named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year as well as being named a finalist for the PFA Player of the Year Award. Parker has the ability to move forward and create plays on the attack, but has excelled as a defensive or holding midfielder who forces and capitalizes on turnovers.
Also strong leader, Parker won't come at a cheap price, but if Arsenal are serious about having a strong transfer window they need to make a big splash early, and Parker should be among their main targets.
Gary Cahill (Bolton Wanderers)
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Another consistently good season with the Bolton Wanderers has led to Gary Cahill garnering interest from several clubs including Manchester City and Arsenal. Although City are the favorites to pick up the 25-year-old defender, Arsenal is going to have to flex its muscles and beat out the top clubs for a player to make their presence known, and manager Arsene Wenger has said they are willing to spend—let's see if they do.
Cahill is known for his rough-and-tumble style, which would fit perfectly on an Arsenal squad that lacked toughness last season. Although he has been known to make the occasional gaffe, most defenders do, and Cahill is reliable in most situations, including in the air.
With the way City has been spending in recent transfer windows, it is likely they will spend whatever it takes to get Cahill, but Arsenal must put up a fight. Cahill would represent a major improvement on the back line for the Gunners, and beating out City might be a bigger victory.
Ian Evatt (Blackpool)
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Evatt is a veteran defender who some believe enjoys Blackpool too much to leave despite the Seasiders' relegation, but as the old saying goes: “Money talks.”
A stay-at-home defender, Evatt has continued to show improvement during his time at Blackpool, and would help solidify Arsenal's defensive unit. It is yet to be seen if Evatt would be able to hold his own on a bigger stage, but strong performances against some of the league's top clubs should mean Wenger could get solid, mistake-free minutes from him.
He was named player of the year by the team's supporters and will likely be the captain if he returns to Bloomfield Road next season, so they price tag is uncertain. If Arsenal misses out on some of its top targets, however, Evatt would be a solid backup plan.
Eden Hazard (Lille)
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I know what you're thinking, how is Hazard going to help Arsenal's defense? Sometimes a good offense is the best defense.
Hazard has quickly become one of the most coveted midfielders throughout Europe, and has drawn comparisons to the aforementioned Messi because of his stature and ability.
The main question mark around Hazard seem to be regarding his work ethic. He seems to have Allen Iverson-like thoughts about practice and training, but there is no doubting his talent level. If the Gunners can get him to commit to being one of the best players in the world, there are many who believe he can become just that.
The prevailing thought is that Hazard will be staying at Lille for the foreseeable future, but that shouldn't stop Arsenal from pursuing the promising goalscorer. A difference-maker like Hazard doesn't come around often, so Arsenal has to act quickly before the prevailing thought becomes fact.
