Rumored Arsenal targets: Part 1 - Goalkeepers and Defenders

Since the transfer window opened, numerous players have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Here we take a look at players who are heavily linked with Arsenal.

As there is no competition for the goalkeeping spot at Arsenal, the Gunners are searching for a reliable shot-stopper who would not only compete for the GK position but would also provide important guidance to and improve the abilities of Wojciech Szczesny.

Goalkeepers linked with Arsenal

Mark Schwarzer

He’s currently a free agent after his contract expired at Craven Cottage. Couple of bids for the Australian were rejected in 2010 and he stated his disappointment, “There are always regrets you don’t get the chance to play in the Champions League.”

Júlio César

The Champions League winner with Inter has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal to keep his hopes of playing for Brazil in next year’s FIFA World Cup alive. He would be a great buy, but matching his wages could be difficult for the Gunners.

Simon Mignolet

The young Belgian, who still has 2 years left on his contract at Sunderland, was a standout player for the Black Cats’ in last season’s disappointing campaign. With a move to Arsenal and Liverpool on the cards, a chance to play in the Champions League could make the difference and convince the Belgian to move to the Emirates!

Asmir Begovi?

“I have ambition to play at the highest level and test myself at that standard, if the opportunity arises” is what Begovi? said after a frustrating season at the Britannia. Stoke earlier signed promising talent and England U21 keeper Jack Butland from Birmingham City and the Potters are ready to sell the Bosnian keeper if their valuation of around £12million is met.

René Adler

In May 2012, Adler joined Hamburger SV as a free agent after 12 years with Bayer Leverkusen. At the age of 28, he has the experience of both European and domestic competitions. Though Adler’s contract runs till 2017 with Hamburger, he would be a great addition to the current squad at an affordable price.

Though club captain Thomas Vermaelen has vowed to stay and regain his position in the playing XI, the Gunners would need a backup for the centre back position in case the Belgian is sold. Also, there are question marks over the contract extension of Bacary Sagna and Wenger might go for a right-back to replace the former Auxerre man.

Defenders linked with Arsenal

Ashley Williams

The Capital One Cup winner with Swansea, Williams has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates in the past couple of months. He would be an ideal replacement for the out-of-form Thomas Vermaelen.

Lukasz Piszczek

The Poland international was a regular in the Borussia Dortmund side that reached the UEFA Champions League final. The 27-year-old’s contract runs till 2016 but there was a word that he would need a hip operation this summer which would keep him out of action for 5 months.

Sébastien Corchia

Nice’s Malian midfielder Mahamane Traore (L) vies with Sochaux’ French defender Sebastien Corchia during the French L1 football match Nice versus Sochaux

Valued around £4million, Corchia would be a typical Wenger signing. Young, talented, unknown and French! The Frenchman has represented Les Bleus on numerous levels such as the U17s, U18s, U19s and U21s. He’s renowned for his attacking instincts along with his defensive abilities.