Arsenal’s transfer targets a sign of Newcastle’s summer to come?

With the Gunner’s looking to improve on third place next season (though it’s somewhat presumptuous to suggest that they’ll take 3pts from West Brom on Sunday) there’s a good chance that Arsene Wenger will look to the transfer window to find a fix.

Their midfield has looked a little lightweight in recent times and the weight of expectation currently placed on Robin Van Persie upfront must be crushing. It’s not difficult to believe that Arsenal may be scouring the market for a central midfielder and a striker this summer.

Which brings me to a recent story in The Metro which claims that Arsenal are ‘plotting to raid’ Newcastle when the transfer window reopens. Their targets: Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye.

They also assert that a clause in Ba’s contract will allow the Senegalese International to leave for a relatively modest fee. Yes he hasn’t scored since February 5^th, but he’s still racked up 16 goals this season and always looks a threat. As the likes of Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner aren’t really Arsenal quality, Arsene Wenger may well consider Ba to be the right man for the job.

Cabaye has been instrumental to Newcastle’s success this season, running the midfield with his quick passing and great reading of the game. In some respects he has all the hallmarks of an Arsenal player. But I don’t want to pay Newcastle fans any disrespect. He’s under contract and he’s a prized asset. In short, they have no reason to sell unless a club offers an astronomical transfer fee. Can you see Arsenal doing that?

This could be the start of a long summer for Newcastle. Thanks to a combination of good transfers, great leadership from Alan Pardew and the players gelling quickly, the Toon have excelled all expectations this season. The fact that they’re competing for a place in Europe would have beggared belief some 9 months ago.

It would surprise nobody if the established elite had their heads turned by Newcastle’s resurgence. There’s a collection of talented players here and Pardew will have to work hard to fend off the advances of other clubs. You can bet that Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye won’t be the only players scouted this summer.

Whilst I’m sure the Arsenal link in The Metro is bogus, it’s could end up being symptomatic of the transfer window to come. Let’s hope that Newcastle keep what they have and build for further success.

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