Arsenal Transfer Rumors: 5 Players Arsenal F.C. Hope to Sign in the Summer
Well for the Gunners faithful, I do not feel I have to tell you this season was disappointing. I am not going to sit here and prolong the "close but no cigar" theme that ran through the Arsenal 2010-2011 campaign. Instead we will discuss the future and who are some possible, notably big time, names that could land in Emirates Stadium next season.
Arsene Wenger has already made it known that he will be making some moves and plans to sign some big-name talent to get the Gunners over the hump and get their hands on some silverware for the first time since 2005. However, for that to happen current players on the Arsenal squad are on there way out.
There have been rumors that Cesc Fabregas could be making a move to the Nou Camp in Barcelona. Emmanuel Eboue is not content with his role on the team and Samir Nasri has refused to sign a new contract, as of now. Theo Wallcott has already expressed the team's need for some more star power moving forward, and hopefully Wenger answers Wallcott's call.
Karim Benzema- Real Madrid
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One of the most high-profiled strikers on the transfer/rumor mill this summer is Frenchmen Karim Benzema. A change needs to be made and it is tough to argue that Benzema would not be a wonderful addition to the Arsenal squad.
Benzema has fallen out of favor in Real Madrid with Jose Mourinho, which leaves the door wide open for Arsenal to make an offer. Wenger has admitted his admiration for the 23-year-old, though he would come at a mighty high price tag of somewhere around €30 million.
Do not be surprised if Wenger pulls the trigger and signs the young striker. Benzema would be a fitting addition to the front line. He is a proven finisher, and that is exactly what the Gunners were in need of when the games mattered most.
Gary Cahill- Bolton Wanderers
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The Gunners need help in the center back position, and to their luck a talented, young player in Gary Cahill is waiting to be signed. The Bolton Wanderers defender is just waiting for someone to snag him, because his time is all but up with the Wanderers.
The 25-year-old was also being pursued by Manchester City, but it seems that ship has sailed and Arsenal are in the best position to sign him, if they want him. As a €17 million price tag hangs on Cahill's head, Wenger needs to get his funds in order to see if he can afford a move like this.
€17 million may not seem like a lot for a powerhouse, but funds need to be dedicated to more pressing needs like that of re-signing Samir Nasri. However, a move for Cahill may cause Nasri to rethink a transfer and stay at the Emirates. It would be a solid move, to get an even more solid defender.
Mamadou Sakho- Paris Saint-Germain
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Mamadou Sakho is one of the most highly touted players on the market, and for good reason. He has already made the call up/starting XI for his French national team and is the captain of his French club Paris Saint-Germain. Not to mention, he's only 21 years old. Scary, I know.
The defender is a phenomenal talent and it is clear why Arsene Wenger is so high on this kid. Wenger put out a bid of close to €13 million a couple months ago, but the centre back did not bite. It is now thought that if the Gunners really want him they are going to have to dish out close to €20 million to get him.
Now Cahill's price tag is €3 million less, but you also get a player that is four years older than Sakho and who is not as skilled as the 21-year-old Frenchmen. Arsenal already have an upper hand in recruiting, seeing as how Arsenal is a grace land for French players in the EPL.
Stewart Downing- Aston Villa
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The duo of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing for Aston Villa were very productive last season, but both look to be on the outs in the summer. Young looks surely on his way to Old Trafford, but Downing may be on his way to the Emirates.
Downing has already made it clear he would welcome a move away from Aston Villa, if the opportunity presented itself. The 26-year-old English midfielder could make quite a splash for the Gunners, if Samir Nasri decides to leave. As I have already said in this story, the No. 1 move to make this summer is to sign Samir Nasri, which is obvious.
The Gunners have to be ready to make a move though, if Nasri still refuses Arsenal. A player like Downing would be a very suitable player to plug in the midfield, especially if Theo Walcott wants to move to striker. Downing would be able to settle in nicely at the Emirates, but again, he is only an "emergency" signing if Nasri jets off.
Thiago Alcantara- Barcelona
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Their is the potential deal of Arsenal shipping Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona for 20-year-old Thiago Alcantara, along with €50 million. Now, personally I do not feel this is the best move to make for Arsenal, but in terms of the future for the club, it may be the only move.
Shipping out their captain for a young, rising Spanish national might not be the worst thing in the world, on top of all the money they will be getting.
This would allow for the opening of other signings, and the grooming process for Alcantara could begin. Alcantara, if this were to happen, would be expected to become the next Fabregas. If this were to happen, Arsenal would have to be able to keep Nasri or some sort of semblance in the midfield.
If some major transfers and signings are not put together, then it would make no sense for Arsenal to allow this move to happen. This move has been speculated for a while now, and what seems inevitable may very well be. However, Arsenal will have to have a strategic signing attack if so.
