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It’s getting close to panic time for most Arsenal fans, it is now a month until the start of the season with NO big name additions added, or close to being to added to the squad. Arsenal have money to spend, lots of it, in fact, so here are some of the semi-realistic options they have.
Cesc Fabregas
Now, I don’t think Fabregas will be moving from Barca this season, he wants to stay. But, if Barca are willing to sell, it might make Cesc re-think his position as he strives to make an impact at the Camp Nou in a World Cup year. Despite featuring regularly last term, he rarely started the big games, and Cesc will want assurances on that front.
Despite the papers going character crazy for United’s apparent quest to land the Spaniard, that particular move seems unrealistic. Perhaps it is just me failing, or refusing, to imagine the incomprehensible sight of my favourite ever Arsenal player pulling on a United shirt (it would be a thousand times worse than ‘Judas’ Van Persie), but with Arsenal reportedly having a £25m buy-back clause, which is activated once Barcelona accept any bid from another club, it appears Arsenal is his more likely destination.
Fabregas said in 2011 that he couldn’t see himself playing for any other club than Barcelona or Arsenal, and whilst the concept of loyalty in football has long since evaporated, turning down Arsenal in favour of United just doesn’t seem feasible. Wenger holds Fabregas in such high regard that he would likely jump, 15ft high into the air, at the chance to re-sign the Spaniard. So, if United have a bid accepted, look to the Emirates as a potential destination.
Luis Suarez
This potential move has split Arsenal fans in half. With some hailing the vision of bringing a player of such high calibre to the Emirates, and some believing that his, let’s say dodgy, past behaviour would disgrace the club.
Whilst the news of the move came as a shock, it does seem as though Suarez would be open to a move, if Arsenal can find a price suitable for Liverpool. It looks as though Arsenal will have to pay £40m minimum to prize Suarez away from Anfield, which might just be a little too dear for Arsene, Law and co. to sanction.
It’s a very tricky one to figure out, as some people believe Arsenal are just trying to force Madrid into action so they can push through the Higuain deal. Who knows, eh?
Gonzalo Higuain
A few weeks ago, it looked like this deal was wrapped up, had a card and bow attached and was ready to be sent to North London. Apparently not. Whilst there have been numerous reports that Arsenal and Higuain have agreed personal terms, the sticking point appears to be the fee with Madrid.
The most recent developments appear to be that Madrid want £37m for him. Far more than the original £23m that Arsenal were seemingly willing to pay. It also seems as if Napoli have got involved in the race for this one, fresh from receiving the Edinson Cavani windfall from PSG, they can certainly afford Madrid’s newly skewed asking price, and may well steal a march on the ever-dithering Arsenal. I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal have royally messed this deal up.
Wayne Rooney
David Moyes’ assertion that United would need Rooney “if anything happened to Robin Van Persie“, wasn’t taken too well by Rooney, and apparently he was left “angry” and “confused” by the remarks (whether or not he is in a permanent state of anger and confusion is up for debate), and now seemingly wants out of Old Trafford.
Chelsea are the front runners, there is no doubt about that, they can easily afford Rooney’s wages and it appears Stamford Bridge is his preferred destination. However, United would be loathe to sell to Chelsea (they’ve already rejected a bid) and may be more inclined to sell to the perpetually non-title-challenging Arsenal.
Whether Rooney would be inclined to move to Arsenal remains to be seen, as he would probably have to take a wage cut, but would become the centre-piece in Arsenal’s attempts to rejoin the European elite.
The presence of Arsenal’s much vaunted ‘British Core’ could be used by Arsenal as an incentive. It would certainly benefit England that an attack of Chamberlain, Wilshere, Walcott and Rooney would be playing together week in, week out.
Marouane Fellaini
Arsenal need a defensive midfielder, that much is clear. They have had bids for Lars Bender rejected, and it would appear he was Arsene Wenger’s top target in this area. Whether Wenger is at all interested in the big haired Belgian is doubtful. There was a bit of smoke about this deal in the press a few weeks ago, but no fire resulted.
He would certainly be available, as he has a release clause of £22m which expires in August, and is apparently keen on a move to London. He fits the bill of what Arsenal need, a tough tackling defensive minded midfielder, who is capable of playing the ball. Although, I think Wenger has other options in mind for this position, such as Etienne Capoue from Toulouse, there is a chance this deal could happen.
There is a good chance Arsenal will sign none of these players, or they might sign two or three of them. Arsenal are notoriously secretive about their transfer business and we will almost certainly be left in the dark for some time yet. Sigh.
