Arsenal Transfers: 6 Ways to Spend the Money from Possible Cesc Fabregas Sale

When Cesc Fabregas was omitted from the recent Emirates Cup, with his injury cited as the reason, the general consensus was that the transfer saga with Barcelona, his boyhood club, also played a part.

Negotiations have been slow, with Arsenal sticking to its guns about the asking price, and Barca seemingly needing a little help from the transfer target himself.

The lacklustre performances by Arsenal, as well as the reaction in the stadium after the disappointing 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bull, means there is a need for another signing or two.

Despite early summer statements that Arsenal had money to spend, Arsene Wenger is waiting to use any money gained from a Fabregas sale to strengthen the squad.

Valencia's Juan Mata is another integral part of this saga, as it looks like he has been earmarked as the successor to Fabregas.

According to reports, there has been a slight turn of events where Mata is concerned, which makes the conclusion of the Fabregas deal that much more important.

All that being said, a Fabregas to Barcelona deal looks likely. Whether or not Wenger will have time to strengthen the squad is another matter.

At this point, if Wenger is only waiting on the money from a Fabregas sale, Cesc should be allowed to leave. It is still confusing that Arsenal seem not to want to spend money they already have, but if this is the route they are going to take, something needs to happen soon.

Here is a look at six options Wenger has to strengthen the weak areas of his squad. Player names are not really of concern here. The focus is more on positions.

A Center Back and a Left Back

The first option for Wenger could be to strengthen the defense. The central defender, whoever that may be, would be the main target with a left back being secondary.

Laurent Koscielny should be a third defender in this team, at best, and Arsenal could well do with a no-nonsense defender like Martin Keown or Sol Campbell.

While the departure of Fabregas would be a major loss, Wenger could hand the playmaking role to Samri Nasri. The added stability in defense would also be a bonus.

Unfortunately, this option does not seem likely.

After the Red Bulls game, Wenger claimed more signings were needed. However, he also clearly stated how pleased he was about his central pairing in defense.

Failed negotiations for defensive targets so far, as well as his confidence in the left back situation, means two such signings are not likely.

£40 million is a lot to spend, and two defensive options would be well in reach for Wenger with that in his pocket.

A Center Back and a Defensive Midfielder

This scenario involves strengthening through the spine of the team. Again, a center back is the main option here, and a new defensive midfielder would also help the defense.

Arsenal would be much better off with some depth, considering the number of tournaments they are involved in.

A new signing would allow Arsenal to have supreme depth in the middle of the defense. Thomas Vermaelen and the new signing (Mertesacker, Samba, Cahill, Jagielka) would be the starting pair, with Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny in reserve. That still leaves Kyle Bartley and Sebastian Squillaci as cover.

If Vermaelen is ever needed on the left, or if there is a long-term injury to a key defender, there are still 5 options available. That is two more than the three that were basically in rotation all of last season.

The defensive midfield position could also do with some strengthening, as it remains to be seen how much of an impact Emmanuel Frimpong will have during the season, considering he is the most natural replacement for Song. More on this to come.

With £40 million in his wallet, Wenger could easily pick up one of the many defenders Arsenal has been linked with this summer, as well as a defensive midfielder.

A Center Back and an Attacking Midfielder

Obviously, a center back is needed. This scenario allows Mata to join the fray.

It really is Arsenal's biggest need at the moment, and these two positions are the most likely that Wenger will look to reinforce.

The issue with the central defenders has already been discussed, and the replacement for Fabregas seems to be already in line.

Cost is the issue with buying players in both these positions.

The asking prices of defenders Arsenal have been linked with range from 10 to 17 million pounds, while the situation with Mata's price has taken a turn.

If Wenger is only willing to use the £40 million gained from selling Fabregas, and wants to replace him with Mata, he will have to find a cheaper option in the defensive department.

That is not a good thing.

A Defensive Midfielder and an Attacking Midfielder

Defensive midfielder is an important area for this squad, and should not be overlooked.

The position is not as dire as with the central defense, but help could still be used.

Emmanuel Frimpong has shown some good abilities again this preseason, even garnering praise from Argentine midfielder Roman Riquelme.

However, he lacks experience, and with Alex Song likely to burn out as he did last season, Frimpong is may be in line to play some big minutes.

Wenger should look to reinforce this position, whether it be an experienced head such as Mahamadou Diarra or Scott Parker, or bringing back Real Madrid want-away Lassana Diarra.

The attacking midfield position could still be filled with the likes of Mata, meaning the Malian Diarra would be a more likely option, considering he would be free.

The prospect of both these positions being reinforced is slim.

An Attacking Midfielder and a Left Back

The attacking midfield is the major concern here, with left back a very slim possibility.

If Mata is bought for the €35 million price tag that now hangs over his head, that would leave Wenger short of change to invest elsewhere.

Other options could be sought in the attacking midfield position, but that is unlikely with less than a month to go in the transfer window.

Wenger has said before that he is comfortable with the current left back situation. While previous personnel changes in that position worked out well, that doesn't mean the same will happen again.

Kieran Gibbs has shown flashes of his class when given the chance, but has had his fair share of injuries, and not enough has been seen of Traore, minus this preseason, to know if he will really be able to handle this season.

The left back position will probably be untouched this season, unless there is a real injury crisis, or major failures in performance.

Only an Attacking Midfielder

Of all these options, this is the most likely.

Wenger seems not to be concerned with his central defense, left back or defensive midfield areas. He has stated his faith in the players that are there, and that is unlikely to change.

With Fabregas gone, and Mata coming in, the playmaking role could fall to Nasri. Mata would play out on the left, with the two having the ability to interchange.

Wenger would certainly have to break the bank for this signing, and he would probably feel that Mata alone would calm the fans who are calling for even more reinforcements.

He may have felt that he has tried all he can where defensive options are concerned, and is stubbornly  unwilling to pay what others deem necessary, which may end up being to the teams detriment.

There is no doubt Mata would help ease the loss of Fabregas, but Arsenal need so much more.