NRM Issue 6: Higuain, Fellaini, Fixture list and Usmanov

Is it fair to say that Arsène Wenger is pressing hard to gain a few key signatures this summer? Or that the more money Wenger shells out during the summer transfer window, the more likely silverware could find its way to the Emirates? Despite the rumors and potential signings from the Gunners this offseason, Arsenal are immersed in plenty of other noteworthy stories.

For the “Anti-Wenger” fans out there, this next story is sure to annoy. As Wenger creeps up on 17 years in charge of Arsenal, his approval rating is through the roof, as The Mirror reports. After being given an enormous spending budget and securing a Champions League place for another consecutive season, Wenger has a popularity rating of just over 70%. During last season, some were calling for Wenger to be axed; however, it seems the supporters have a renewed confidence in Wenger that has quietly built up over the past few months. Well done Wenger, well done.

On the field, Arsenal have a few players in the mix of Vicente Del Bosque’s squad for the Confederations Cup – both Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal have been given minutes in the starting XI. Monreal started in Spain’s 10-0 thumping of Tahiti on June 20th, while Cazorla made a cameo appearance 15 minutes from time as he replaced Andres Iniesta. Both have made a considerable impact in the Spanish squad; however, as the competition heats up both in the tournament and inter-squad competition, both Arsenal players must continue to prove their worth to their country. After two matches, Spain stands in first place of Group B on six points, three clear of Nigeria and Uruguay.

The Premier League 2013/14 schedule was also released last week and the Gunners begin their campaign against Aston Villa on August 17th. Wenger’s side immediately enter a tough string of fixtures to begin their season after facing Villa in the opener, taking on Fulham, Tottenham, Sunderland, and Stoke City to round out the first five matches of their season. Week three should be a thrilling North London Derby versus Spurs in which Andre Villas-Boas is adamant to keep hold of Gareth Bale this summer despite Real Madrid and Manchester United rumors that constantly circulate.

The Gunners will surely be battle tested with a strenuous pre-season schedule as they prepare for the 2013/14 campaign. Wenger’s men will face Napoli, Galatasaray and Manchester City in the two weeks prior to the kickoff of their Premier League season – all teams which will likely press for their respective league titles next season.

For Arsenal, securing a fast start in next season’s Premier League is vital as 0-0 draws will certainly not pay the bills. In the first three matches alone, it would be disappointing if Arsenal came away with anything less than seven points, as they cap off August with a tough meeting with Andre Villas-Boas’ Spurs.

With the right purchases, Arsenal should win these games quite easily and Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov believes that signing Wayne Rooney from Manchester United falls in the “right purchase” category. Whether or not the Russian billionaire’s comments will have any leeway with the North London club remains to be seen; however Arsenal have the money and as a long-term admirer, Arsène may consider a move for the 27-year-old.

According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal have their first signing – Argentine frontman Gonzalo Higuain. Higuain reportedly agreed to a £22 million move to the Emirates which makes him Arsenal’s most expensive player, eclipsing Andrey Arshavin’s £15m transfer from Zenit St. Petersburg in 2009.

At only 25, Higuain would bring loads of potential and natural talent to Arsenal, should the move be completed. The Argentinean joined Real Madrid in 2006 to provide the scoring touch; however, since the arrivals of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu, he has found a regular starting role hard to come by.

What will Higuain bring to the Arsenal attack? The 25-year-old will bring additional pace necessary to create space for himself in a much more physical league, while also adding regularity to the scoresheet – we hope. As Santi Cazorla continues to pick up steam in his sophomore season, the partnership between him and Higuain could prove vital to Arsenal’s trophy ambition.

Overall, Higuain brings an exciting punch to an already promising North London attack. With the pace and ability to play on the last defender, both Walcott and Higuain could equally benefit from his arrival to the Premier League, with goals galore.

While the Higuain deal looks nearly sealed, Arsenal has reportedly had another bid for Marouane Fellaini rejected. Arsenal apparently offered £70,000-a-week to the Belgian (after already activating his release clause), yet this is still lower than his current £75,000-a-week salary with the Toffees, according to Goal.

Fellaini is not going to come cheap to any club that vies for his signature this summer as Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and a few others are in the hunt for the Belgian’s signature, but will he remain loyal to Everton? Some say that Arsenal would be his best fit because of his imposing physical presence in the middle of the park, but he’d also be allowed plenty of room to roam forward as Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta hold down the rest of the midfield.

So that’s it, folks, what do you think? Is Arsenal spending too much on Higuain or will he fit in just right at the Emirates? Or how about the Gunners fixture list, any match in particular that may “make or break” their season? With the current squad that Arsène Wenger has at his fingertips I, for one, would not be in the least bit surprised if the men from North London are hoisting some sort of silverware next season.