Despite being on course to record their most successful campaign for the best part of a decade, assuming they finish second in the Premier League and retain the FA Cup for another year, the tabloids certainly aren’t short of rumours linking Arsenal to various mooted targets from around the continent.
Indeed, the Gunners have so many coveted names allegedly in their transfer crosshairs ahead of the summer window that This Is Futbol have been able to conjure up a select XI entirely composed of alleged Arsenal targets.
Now, we’re not suggesting Arsenal will be snapping up all of them this summer by any means. According to tabloid valuations, that would set them back a rather incredible £230million, which would constitute the largest spend by one club in a single window in the history of football.
But in order to keep you up to date on all things transfers around the Emirates, we’ve created Arsenal’s Transfer Target XI.
Cech – No: Chelsea won’t sell to Arsenal.
Montoya – No: Arsenal don’t need him, Bellarin, Debuchy, and Jenkinson are all as good or better.
Hummels – Unlikely: He’s not someone the Gunners need, though he would be an upgrade on the BFG. Chambers and Gabriel are positioned to be Arsenal’s next-gen CBs. On the other hand, he is the kind of out of the blue, top-class signing Arsenal has made recently (Ozil, Alexis). Arsenal had Cazorla at #10 and Walcott on the wing, but signed those tow for big money.
Howedes – No: A Swiss Army Knife of a player. Arsenal could use him but would he come to be a squad player? Doubtful.
Mings – Possible: He’s a CB long term, but Wenger loves versatility. Turning Mings into a CB who can also cover LB would be appealing. Injury issues with Kieran Gibbs is the only thing that makes this at all possible.
Schneiderlin – Maybe: He is critical to Southampton. Since he’s been out with a knee issue, the Saints have foundered. The main issue with Schneiderlin is that he’s more of a central midfielder, a position Arsenal have covered by a host of top, top players (Wilshire, Ramsey, Cazorla, Rosicky, and Arteta) than a true DM. At SH he plays in front of and alongside Wayama, who acts as more of a DM. Arsenal palyed with Arteta as a DM and they were soft. Arteta could tackle and pass, but was not physical or athletic enough to break up play against top sides. Schneiderlin is in a similar mold to Arteta. This is a possible signing but will see Arsenal revert to past form and probably end any chance at a title.
Carvalho – Maybe: He’s the right kind of player but his form has been up and down this season. He is more physical than Schneiderlin and more athletic, though a less polished passed. He is a lot like Francis Coquelin, but is he and upgrade over Le Coq? Will Arsenal really spend money on a DM? History says no. Needs scream YES!
Lacazette – No – He’s a tweener. Really good, young player but not a major star. He doesn’t really bring anything that Arsenal don’t already have in Walcott or Ox.
Pedro – Yes: He’s a major star, available, and he would be an upgrade over current talent. He fits Wenger”s recent purchase pattern. One big name and then invest in youth.
Higuain – No: Wenger likes giroud and Welbeck, Arsenal also have Campbell and Akpom,.
Benzema – No – no way does