Top 5 Arsenal midfield targets

After the departures of Cesc Fàbregas & Samir Nasri, Arsene Wenger brought Mikel Arteta & last season, Santi Cazorla joined Arsenal after Alex Song was sold to Barcelona. Mikel Arteta played most of the season as a defensive midfielder, covering the back 4 and had formidable partnership with Aaron Ramsey who is getting back to his previous best. Though Arteta & Ramsey had a good season, Arsenal are too much dependent on Mikel Arteta & with Jack Wilshere going under the knife. Therefore, Wenger is hoping to buy a midfield enforcer who could bolster Arsenal’s hopes to clinch a silverware.

Here are the midfielders linked with Arsenal:

1. Maxime Gonalons: The Lyon midfielder can potentially fill void left by Alex Song. Arsene Wenger sent scouts to watch him play in the Ligue 1 couple of times over the last season. Though he’s contracted with Olympique Lyon till 2016, the club is open to listen to offers from clubs who match their asking price for the France international, around £15million. A defensive midfielder to sit back and guard the back four, Maxime could be the ultimate choice!

2. Cesc Fàbregas: The “Arsenal DNA Boy” had a torrid time at the Nou Camp, and is strongly linked with a return back to the Gunners. The midfielder has been back with Barcelona for the last 2 years, with the last season coming as a consolation for his dismal performances the season before. Yet, Fàbregas could give it one more go to stay & cement his place at his boyhood club before he decides his future. There’s been a speculation that Manchester clubs are after him but Arsenal do have a first refusal clause.

3. Marouane Fellaini: The Belgian has been linked with Arsenal a couple of times. In summer of 2011, Arsene Wenger signed his Everton compatriot Mikel Arteta to fill the void left by Fàbregas. Rumors state that Arsenal are willing to bid £22million, which is his buyout clause & if the cited valuation is met, Fellaini could be on his way to the Emirates.

4. Lars Bender: Young German international, who currently plays for the Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen, is another player Arsenal have eyes on. The 24 year old would cost around £17million but with the experience, both in Europe & domestic competitions and age on his side, he would fit quickly with midfield maestros Jack Wilshere & Santi Cazorla.

5. Clément Grenier: The 22 year old Frenchman who plays for Ligue 1 team Olympique Lyon is an exciting prospect who can play on the right wing & also behind the striker. In a recent interview, the Gunners boss told Telefoot: “We are following him; I like the intelligence of his play. He has interesting qualities, if anyone, he reminds me of Nasri.” Clement has represented France on numerous international youth levels. Grenier is known for his attacking abilities s well as his precision with set pieces.