Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Samir Nasri and 3 Who Could Still Join the Gunners

It seems the protracted transfer saga of Samir Nasri may finally be coming to a head. It has recently been reported that France coach Laurant Blanc believes Nasri to be seeking to finalize a move away from the Gunners this week following a contractual agreement with Manchester City.

The France midfielder has put Gunners boss Arsene Wenger in a very awkward situation; not knowing whether to cash in now or hope that the player will commit his future to the club has left Wenger seriously handicapped in the transfer market.

Wenger has already seen Santi Cazorla—one of the targets to replace Nasri—join Malaga for a fee in the region of £20million and according to reports, a deal to take Arda Turan from Galatasary to Atletico Madrid may be wrapped up within the next 24 hours.

Keeping an unhappy player at Arsenal has never been something Wenger has looked to pursue in the past. Emmanuel Adebayor left the club under similar circumstances and Alex Hleb had his head turned following a memorable win for the Gunners away in Milan.

Samir Nasri may end up being one of those that got away for Wenger and Arsenal fans, being compared to fellow compatriot Zinedine Zidane, but surely moving on from his disruptive behaviour will be welcomed by the Gunners faithful provided the profits are reinvested into the playing squad.

Juan Mata: Possibly one of those gems that seemed a little too far out of reach for Arsenal fans as recent as last year, may finally be about to make his move to the club as a replacement for Nasri.

What the club’s fans can look forward to is a player who is extremely comfortable playing in a number of attacking and creative positions. He, unlike Nasri, is far more integral to the play of his respective club; often rotating from wide positions to playing more advanced and centrally. The player knows where the goal is and can chip in with his share of assists throughout the season.

With an addition like this it would be fair to say Arsene Wenger is actively seeking to strengthen the core at Arsenal. Juan Mata performed far more consistently than Nasri last season and was still able to be a positive and effective influence at the U21 European Championship.

His age should not deter Gunners fans, however, as this is a player very much ready for the now. Yes there is plenty of room for improvement but his acquisition would be a serious signal of intent and a firm upgrade on a player of Nasri’s current calibre and contribution.

Gary Cahill: It seems the club's long search for an experienced centre back (of efficient quality) may finally be coming to an end. Reports in the Daily Mail this week suggest Wenger will be moving swiftly to tie up a deal for the England defender following the recent injury to Thomas Vermaelen.

It seemed Wenger started to go cold on the idea of Cahill due to Bolton’s transfer demands, the Arsenal boss preferring to look to Phil Jagielka as an alternative.

It cannot be denied that either player would be a welcome addition to the Arsenal backline but once more I believe Wenger has made the right choice to pursue Cahill as his first option.

Possibly a player who could be seen as a late bloomer following his move from Aston Villa to Bolton in 2008, Cahill has proved to have that little bit extra that may help Arsenal over the finish line.

A player not a afraid to put his head where it hurts, Cahill—now a full international with England— possesses the leadership qualities to shore up the Arsenal defence as a likely partner to Thomas Vermaelen.

It remains to be seen where the clubs may finally land on a transfer fee agreement; but with the player in his final year of contract, Wenger is likely to push Bolton into accepting a fee more in keeping with what the Frenchman likes to spend.

Jose Enrique: It remains to be seen what the final stance on this player’s future will be. Alan Pardew remains to receive an offer for the want-away player but insists that he will play the left back against Arsenal this weekend.

Enrique has made no secret of his desire to leave the club for pastures new, prompting Joey Barton to unleash his disdain for Newcastle allowing their better players to be allowed to leave.

Again, Wenger’s hand may be forced in this department as one of his current left backs, Kieran Gibbs, is once again injured and the often ineffectual Armand Traore will be left with no cover.

Another concern will be Traore’s involvement in the African Cup of Nations in January. The Christmas schedule is often hectic for most Premier League managers and once again it could be Gibbs’ fitness levels which could come into question.

With Liverpool seemingly intent on signing a left back after missing out on Arsenal’s Gael Clichy, it would be wise for Arsene Wenger to act quickly and decisively if he wants to bring in able reinforcements.