Top Ten: Arsene Wenger transfer targets
Andrew Allen
Posted on: 30 November 2009 - 14:44
Football
Arsene Wenger has stressed all too often in recent seasons that when it comes to player recruitment his only interest lies in signing ‘top quality’ additions for his Arsenal squad. Thomas Vermaelen and Andrey Arshavin are prime examples of such a policy but with patience running thin on the ground at the Emirates, and with injuries once again taking their toll on his young charges, it looks inevitable that the Frenchman will have to get the chequebook out in January.
Sport.co.uk takes a look at ten players with the quality to help bring success to the Gunners.
Between the sticks…
Despite huge improvements during his time at Arsenal, it remains pretty obvious that Manuel Almunia’s command of the penalty area at the Emirates remains somewhat dubious. While predecessor Jens Lehmann may have infuriated both his own fans and opposition attackers with his eccentric antics it can’t be denied that the German had the character and confidence to bring out the best in those around him. A new man between the sticks is needed urgently with Lukasz Fabianski, Wojiech Szczesny and Vito Mannone not yet ready for full-time duty.
Hugo Lloris, Lyon
French international Hugo Lloris has, despite only being 22-years-old, already racked up three years of steady first team appearances in Ligue 1 with both Nice and Lyon. Having worked his way up the international youth ranks since the age of sixteen, Lloris is a steady and safe pair of hands. Rewarded by national coach Raymond Domenech for his commanding performances last term at the Stade Gerland, the stopper was integral to France’s qualification to the World Cup stopping Ireland on several occasions in the controversial Parisian play-off.
At the back…
Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas may represent a solid and mobile centre-back partnership but the statistics show that the Gunners have conceded as many goals this term as they did last. Defensive solidity has been hard to come by at the Emirates in recent seasons with emphasis being placed squarely on the notion of outscoring opponents. With Johann Djourou facing a season on the sidelines and Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos treated as nothing more than Carling Cup necessities, an injury sustained by either of the first choice pairing could seriously hamper Champions League ambitions.
Mamadou Sakho, Paris St Germain
At 19-years-old, Paris St Germain’s Mamadou Sakho will be viewed by many as ‘one for the future.’ However, having established himself as a first choice centre-back at the Parc des Princes and with leadership qualities which saw him handed the captain’s armband at only 17, his ability is unquestionable. At 6 ft 1 inches tall Sakho represents a dominating physical presence and with speed to burn and a good anticipation of danger he is sure to be central to the French national set-up in years to come. Having signed a new deal in January and with several clubs in Italy also thought to be interested he could cost upwards of £12m.
Angelo Ogbonna, Torino
An Italian under-21 international, Torino’s Angelo Ogbonna is used predominantly as a centre-back but is versatile enough to be deployed on the left of defence. Wanted by the Nigerian FA for their World Cup campaign, the 22-year-old is certainly in demand. With his club currently in Serie B following relegation last term, the 6ft 2inches tall could probably be picked up without breaking the bank although his lack of experience at the highest level does provide a level of risk.
Matthew Upson, West Ham United
Having never re-signed any player who has left the club during his time at Arsenal, a move for Upson would be unprecedented for Arsene Wenger. That being said, a solid and dependable England international and well-schooled in the rigours of the Premier League, the Frenchman revealed recently that the Luton Town academy protégé was still on his radar. At 30-years-old the former Birmingham City man is at his peak and could be tempted by the prospect of European football for the first time in seven years. With West Ham United also still in financial dire straits an offer in the region of £10m could seal a deal.
In the middle of the park…
While Alexandre Song may have stepped admirably into the breach in the last year, the Cameroon international still represents a raw talent with a tendency for undisciplined decision making in the centre of the park. Set for a month away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations and with teammates Abou Diaby and Denilson both spending prolonged periods of time on the sidelines, Wenger’s midfield could find itself very lightweight at the turn of the year should injuries strike again. A strong platform is a necessity if Cesc Fabregas is to be allowed to ‘play without the handbrake on’ while the centre of defence is in desperate need of added protection.
Gokhan Inler, Udinese
Arsene Wenger made contact with Udinese in the summer of Euro 2008 after the Swiss international impressed with his homeland at the showpiece tournament. A deal ultimately never materialised but the player’s stature in Serie A has continued to grow. A brawny, dynamic force for the bianconeri, the 25-year-old has been regularly linked with both AC and Inter Milan and is known to want to play Champions League football. In a similar mould to summer target Felipe Melo, who moved to Juventus, the former FC Zurich man is contracted until 2014 but has so far refused to sign an extension.
Blaise Matuidi, St Etienne
The St Etienne midfield enforcer has been consistently linked with the Gunners throughout the past two transfer windows but recently inked a new deal with Les Verts after sporting director Damien Comolli made it clear they won’t leave their star man on the cheap. At 5ft 9 inches Matuidi is much more in the mould of Lassana Diarra and Claude Makelele as opposed to Patrick Vieira. However, with energy levels on a par with Mathieu Flamini he is tenacious in the tackle and a good distributor of the ball. Contracted until 2013, the player is thought to be valued in excess of £12m.
Mesut Ozil, Werder Bremen
Neither a physical force or defence minded, Mesut Ozil represents the exact type of creative player that Arsene Wenger loves to collect. Touted in Germany as a potential lynchpin and star of Joachim Loew’s World Cup team, the 21-year-old has seen his star rise immeasurably inside the last year having helped Werder Bremen to the UEFA Cup Final and secured under-21 glory with Germany at the European Championship in Sweden. With added responsibility at the Weserstadion, following the sale of Brazilian Diego to Juventus, the attacking midfielder has shone repeatedly behind the strikers and is a ready-made replacement for Cesc Fabregas should he ever quit the Emirates.
Up front...
At the beginning of the season Arsene Wenger’s range of attacking options looked, on paper, a strong proposition. Nevertheless, following the devastating injury sustained by Robin van Persie and the niggly problems which have frustrated Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela and Eduardo da Silva it is obvious that further recruits are needed. With a shift towards an attacking 4-3-3 formation and thus a central spearheading figure, whoever plays the role needs to display the strength, confidence, team-ethic and eye for goal which had seen van Persie make the role his own.
Edin Dzeko, Wolfsburg
The Bundesliga leading goal scorer and Player of the Year for 2008-2009, the Wolfsburg striker has established himself as one of Europe’s most in demand front men. At 23-years-old the Bosnian international is still learning his trade, however, with 6ft 3 inches of pure muscle at his disposal and a taste for Champions League football having scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford, it is no wonder AC Milan, Chelsea and the aforementioned Red Devils have been linked with his signature. Dzeko is a formidable prospect who has proved himself equally adept at functioning alongside partner Grafite as he has leading the line on his own. A serious threat at set pieces he would be the perfect antidote to Wenger’s physically lightweight current crop.
Marouane Chamakh, Bordeaux
The Bordeaux striker has made no bones about his desire to play in the Premier League and is known to have nearly sealed a deal with the Gunners in the summer before Arsene Wenger reneged on his advances. A fast, fleet-footed operator Chamakh isn’t likely to notch 25 goals a season but is a target man who could help feed balls into the likes of Nasri, Rosicky, Arshavin, Walcott and Fabregas. At 6 foot 2 inches tall and with a great spring he is a danger with his head while his goals in the Champions League this term have proved him deadly in one-on-one situations. With his contract ending in the summer, Chamakh will be a free agent come May although Wenger may be tempted to spend £5-£8m to get his man early.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Real Madrid
A controversial final name in this list but one with pedigree and proven Premier League experience; Ruud van Nistelrooy needs first team football in the second half of this season if he is to secure a place at the World Cup with Holland. A deadly finisher inside the six yard box, he could well provide a temporary, short-term solution to those fans looking for someone to finally walk the ball into the net at the Emirates. A history of injuries suggest he should be treated with kid-gloves, 217 goals in nine years at Manchester United and Real Madrid hint at a risk worth taking.