Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Samuel Eto'o and Five Offseason Transfer Possibilities
After another trophy-less season at the Emirates, all eyes will be on Arsenal as they try to rebuild their team for the 2011/2012 campaign.
Last season, the Gunners conceded more goals than Manchester City, Chelsea and eventual champions Manchester United and only had two players reach double figures in goals—Robin van Persie (18) and Samir Nasri (10). Manager Arsene Wenger loves trying to find younger talent, but his team has been linked to a number of older, but worthy players this offseason.
Christopher Samba
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Football Gossip and the Sun are reporting that Blackburn defender Christopher Samba could be eying a move from Ewood Park. There were rumors Arsenal were set to land the Congolese international in January, but the move fell through and he signed a four-year deal.
Now though, the rumors have started again that Arsenal could be looking to land the Rovers centre-back. The move would make sense but the £12 million asking price is a bit steep.
Joey Barton
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Justarsenal.com have confirmed that the team is indeed interested in pursuing Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton.
Barton has developed an unsavory reputation, being described as a 'thug' and a 'brute'. For the most part, that has overshadowed his talent as a player. The reported £1.5m price tag does make him an intriguing proposition, though.
If he is mellowing, he has the talent to bolster the Arsenal midfield, and the low asking price only makes him more attractive.
Samuel Eto'o
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'Eto'o to Arsenal' is almost the definition of a fantasy transfer. Very rarely does one of the best players in the world leave one of the biggest clubs to go to England, but since the rumors are flying about that this could be a real possibility, it is worth mentioning.
The 30-year-old Cameroonian has spent the last two seasons at Inter and has had stints at Real Madrid and Barcelona. He was quoted on justarsenal.com as saying, "I now have the idea of proving myself in England. The money is not key for me—I will decide by the sporting project."
That doesn't exactly sound like a 'no'.
Scott Parker
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Gunners legend Ray Parlour has said a move for West Ham midfielder Scott Parker would make sense for Arsenal and the Daily Mail has claimed Arsene Wenger would be willing to sign the England international, despite his propensity for finding younger players.
At 30 years old, and with Wenger's dislike of older players, it may seem unlikely Parker will be on his way to the Emirates. A reported £5 million price tag is similarly off-putting. However, with West Ham looking to demolish their team after being relegated from the Premier League last season, and with Cesc Fabregas possibly on his way to La Liga, it could make a lot of sense.
Jermaine Defoe
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The Guardian has spoken about this link, but the move does not make sense for a couple of reasons. One, Jermaine Defoe is now a few years past his best. Two, Tottenham will charge their rivals well above his market value.
However, anything to give a rivalry a boost is always a good thing, especially if you're on the side that gets the player and he could be a decent low-risk/high-reward kind of signing.
