Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Does a Nasri for Eto'o Swap Deal Make Sense?

As if the summer transfer rumors were not burning hot enough, Inter Milan’s Samuel Eto'o has stated he may make a move to the Premier League. His statements instantly stoked the fires across the Internet as speculation began placing Eto'o with Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal.

It should be no surprise to see any club interested in the Cameroonian’s services. His talent has been proven in both Spain and Italy where he has performed at the highest of levels.

With Eto'o apparently open to the possibility of heading to England, some interesting scenarios are not hard to fathom. Of the teams mentioned above, only Manchester United seems to be unrealistic. They have Rooney, Hernandez, Berbatov and Owen leading their scoring charge, and while Eto'o is a top level striker, fitting him in would require some major lineup shuffling. Even though a Berbatov plus cash for Eto'o would be a possibility, I do not see Alex Ferguson pulling the trigger.

Chelsea could look to offer a player swap with several different players potentially involved, or have Roman just empty his left pocket and buy Eto'o outright. Eto'o would be a good partner for Torres, and with Drogba and Anelka’s best years seemingly behind them, a move for Eto'o would be positive.

Manchester City could also buy Eto'o outright with their seemingly unlimited cash flow and add him to their bankroll. Where he would fit in with Tevez and company would depend on who exits City this summer.

The deal that makes the most sense would be Eto'o to Arsenal for Samir Nasri. Inter are thought to be keen on the young Frenchman, and with a contract extension yet to be signed, moving the midfielder for Eto'o makes sense, as Arsenal would not want to see him move to United on a free transfer next year.

It appears Arsenal are about to finalize a deal with Gervinho, and reports suggest they might bring in Willian in a deal that sends Denilson the other way. Gervinho and Willian are both wide players, and either one could slot into Nasri’s spot. With Arshavin and Walcott also on the roster, and Ryo Miyaichi impressing in his loan stint, Arsenal appear to have an overload of wing players.

Nasri prefers playing in a central role, but with Fabregas more than likely staying another year, Nasri’s opportunities in the center of the park seem limited. With youngsters Ramsey and Wilshire adept at playing central roles, the competition for midfield time will be fierce. While having an abundance of depth is necessary in many competitions, it can create frustration over lack of time on the pitch.

Eto'o coming to Arsenal would fill the need of another reliable striker. Eto'o has pace to burn, and is not afraid to shoot. His willingness to take a chance on goal is a needed addition as too many chances are left untaken by Arsenal’s current group. With Van Persie as the only proven striker, Eto'o would bolster the Arsenal attack.

Eto'o has said he would decide within the next month whether a move to England would be in the cards. Until a decision is reached, there will continue to be endless talk regarding the possibilities. Let the speculation mount and the transfer rumors continue to burn.