Having been linked to many defensive players, Arsene Wenger will have to trim fat before he can buy big names, with the hope of a new squad playing a full pre-season.
Cech, Mate? .
Despite acquiring the services of David Ospina last summer, the Gunners are actively pursuing former Chelsea No. 1 Petr Cech. In a move that will add an immense amount of experience to Arsenal’s otherwise make-shift back four, the former captain of the Czech republic will be a priceless addition.
Arsenal however, face stiff competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain to secure the goalkeeper’s services. Manchester United too, could enter the race if they lose David de Gea to Real Madrid and fail to land Hugo Lloris from Spurs to replace him.
Despite Jose Mourinho’s reservations, Chelsea have said that they are willing to let the keeper transfer to a premier league side for A?10 Million, though Mourinho is unlikely to let him go to Manchester United
In relation, Mourinho had lamented,
“If ita s in my hands he would never go, would never go to big clubs with fantastic teams. Big candidates to win the Premier League. I would never let him go.
a But ita s not in my hands. My perfect scenario is that he stays with us, I think he belongs to this club, this club belongs to his history and to his life, too.
I can imagine that a 32 or 33 year old keeper feels young and feels the passion to play every game.a
Sunderland move in for Jenkinson
Despite a successful season under Sam Allardyce at West Ham, experts have speculated wether he fits into the long term plans of new Hammer’s boss, Slaven Bilic.
With Chambers, Debuchy and Bellerin already crowding the right full-back position, Arsenal seem more likely to sell the 23 year-old Englishman, rather than loan him to another side.
Sunderland are understood to have been in touch with the Gunners, and are willing to pay a A?2m loan fee for the services of the 23-year-old.
Despite interest from other Premier League clubs, Sunderland appear to be in pole position to sign the England international.
Bender back in the mix
Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s midfielder has constantly been linked with the Gunners for the better part of 2015. According to Metro, Arsenal are lining up a A?18 Million bid for the young German midfielder.
Southamptona s Morgan Schneiderlin looks increasingly likely to join one of Arsenala s Premier League rivals, Chelsea or Manchester United, so the Gunners may take a chance on Bender.
Despite his heroics, Francis Coquelin is not the man whom Arsenal will base their midfield on. Lars Bender represents a stronger, more experienced option, With his best years still ahead of him, and the imminent arrival of Christoph Kramer, Bender might yet consider a move to the premier league, under the guidance of a manager whose adept at handling German players,
Wenger to weigh-in on Walcott and Wilshere
After months of speculation surrounding his future, it seems that Walcott is set to stay at the Emirates after all.
The England winger has just one year remaining on his existing deal at Arsenal and, having not been first choice this season, there were rumours that the 26-year-old could be leaving this summer.
However, the former Southampton man has been reassured that he is part of Wengera s plans and will reportedly pen a new deal this week.
Despite missing most of the past campaign through injury, Walcott’s performances in the dying stages of the campaign helped Arsenal to an assured Champions League position. His performances in the FA Cup final, reminded Wenger, and the Arsenal faithful about just how good he really is. A prospective A?100k a week wage packet might seem steep for someone who’s played such little football in the recent past, but Wenger is unlikely to see the winger leave, and might exercise all options to ensure his stay.
Like his compatriot, Jack Wilshere seems to be at a similar position regarding his place in the club. Long term injuries had seen Coquelin, Cazorla and Ozil establish themselves as Wenger’s preferred midfield trio. With Aaron Ramsey preferred as the furthest midfielder in a 4-1-4-1, Wilshere’s position as a starter seems in some doubt.
Last week however, he took the opportunity to clear the air regarding his future,
“I wouldn’t go somewhere, just because I’m a homegrown player
I want to be wanted by a club, I want to be wanted by Arsenal. “
With Arsenal looking stronger heading into the new campaign, a fit Wilshere would do wonders for both their team and squad, if they are to mount a serious title challenge on more than one front.
With attackers being the primary target over the last two summers, Wenger will probably look towards more defensive solutions to provide his team the balance, they desperately require.
