Gone are the days when Arsenal were linked with top-scorers of Ligue 2 and players from Macedonian Premier League. Mesut Ozil, like he does to any defense, let alone Chelsea, broke the pattern when he arrived from Real Madrid for a club record of A?42.5million and the Gunners are now, not just linked with world-beaters, but they look well in contention to bring them down to Emirates Stadium.
World Cup winner, Champions League winner and what not
Arsenal have been linked with Iker Casillas ever since he lost the automatic starter status to Diego Lopez, but the move has never come to fruition despite the media suggesting that the Spanish international was contacted by Arsene Wenger over a potential move. Reports have emerged once again stating that Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign the 33-year-old guard from Estadio Bernabeu. Express even suggested that the Spanish outfit would buy out the remainder of his contract to make room for fresh blood. The World Cup winner has recently made it crystal clear that he is in the best possible place while we asked about a potential move to Emirates Stadium this summer, but given the nascent arrival of David de Gea at the Spanish capital, the veteran goal-keeper may be forced to eat his words.
Thou shalt conquer Manchester United on all fronts
Danny Welbeck inspired Arsenal knocked Manchester United out of the Football Association cup and the Gunners are reportedly keen to knock out the Manchester club out of the race to sign Ilkay Gundogan. Having rejected an extension to his contract at Borussia Dortmund, the central midfielder has attracted interests from in and around Europe. The Old Trafford outfit were believed to be the front runners for his signature, but recent reports suggest that a two-way battle between the Premier League giants is on the cards. Arsene Wenger has often boasted his options in midfield, but Ilkay Gundogan is some talent that no manager could simply afford to snub. If the transfer comes to fruition, he may well follow in the footsteps of Tomas Rosicky or perhaps, even replace the 34-year-old in the long term, but it is highly likely that he will play under Louis van Gaal next season.
Safe haven to Real Madrid outcasts
Isco Alarcon, despite making the most out of the limited opportunities, has never been able to impress Carlo Ancelotti and has only been a fringe player since his multi-million move from Malaga three years ago. Widespread suggestions from the Spanish media signify that the unhappy Spaniard is on the lookout for new employers, who could guarantee regular first-team football. Florentino Lopez has also announced that the Bernabeu outfit will listen to offers for him. Arsenal are believed to be in the driving seat to seal the services of the 23-year-old and it seems Arsene Wenger is brazen about shelling out A?33million on a Real Madrid outcast given the rise in prominence of Mesut Ozil. With the departure of Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski imminent, Isco proves to be an immediate solution to the Gunnersa bid to fill the void with a world-class material.
Chelsea legend to Arsenal number-one
Petr Cech lost his number one status to the Thibaut Courtois following the return of the Spaniard from Atletico Madrid and both Jose Mourinho and the Czech Republic international have hinted that the Chelsea legend will not ply his trade with Chelsea next season. His situation has alerted Paris Saint Germain, Liverpool and Arsenal among others and it is believed that the 32-year-old has set his sights on a move to Emirates Stadium as he seemingly is disinterested to relocate his family to Merseyside, if not, Paris.
Though the Chelsea manager has stated that he will never stand in the way of the world-class keeper, if he wants out, the war of words between him and Arsene Wenger could be a hindrance for the transfer. Petr Cech may well be forced to shift his home to a new nation thanks to his manager’s mouth.
Apple of Monsieura s eye
Arsene Wenger, for mysterious reasons, favours players from his native land of France, though the recent transfers beg to differ, but Alexandre Lacazette looked all but set to reiterate the penchant of the French manager for Ligue 1 players until two days ago. The 23-year-old marksman has been a subject of interest from an array of Premier League heavyweights including Arsenal and Manchester United following his heroics that helped Lyon launch an attack at the Ligue 1 title. His transfer value has also eventually hiked up to A?30million. Thierry Henry believes that Olivier Giroud does not suffice to challenge for the Premier League title, but Alexandre Lacazette is someone, who perfectly fits the bill to spearhead a title winning lineup. However, Arsenal supporters may have to hold their horses for the goal-machine has revealed earlier this week that he would stay with the French side for one more season.
Jack Wilshere replacement
Jack Wilshere joined the Gunners from Luton Town at the age of nine and is on the radar of Manchester City, who have made him their prime target this summer and Arsene Wenger seems to prepare for life without the English international with the signing of a yet another Luton Town sensation.Charlie Patino, despite his age still being on the clock, is caught between Manchester United and Arsenal and his father has not-so-surprisingly let the highly rated midfielder to make his choice. Metro suggested that the Gunners lead the race to secure the services of the future England international.