dell
Super Active Member
- Messages
- 8,659
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2007
- Messages
- 8,659
- Reaction score
- 247
- Points
- 83
EDEN HAZARD (LILLE)
When Arsene Wenger raided French side Lille for Gervinho, who they eventually signed later on, they had another target in their sights too: attacking midfielder Eden Hazard. The 20-year-old is a highly-rated player with exceptional passing skills and scoring abilities, and he led Lille to a league and cup double last season en route to being named Ligue 1's Player of the Season.
Will it happen? With Cesc Fabregas finally moving back to Barcelona, Arsenal is expected to step up the chase for Hazard. Wenger is willing to offer £26 million for the player, but the biggest stumbling block is that Lille is unlikely to let another star player leave the club. We say it could happen, if only Arsenal flash the cash.
BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER (BAYERN MUNICH)
According to recent rumours, Arsenal is willing to break the bank to sign Bayern Munich's talismanic midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. Wenger has always been a big fan of the German international, especially after his sensational performance at last year's World Cup. The 26-year-old has played an instrumental part in Bayern's success over the years, and really, it's really not hard to see why Wenger is drooling over the midfield general: Schweinsteiger possesses the passing and range of a great playmaker, and his versatility to play as either a defensive or attacking midfielder is highly valued by any manager.
Will it happen? Very unlikely. Although the Gunners are willing to offer as high as £35 million plus future incentives, Bayern has stated that Schweinsteiger is strictly not for sale. Plus, Arsenal's arch rivals Manchester United have been chasing the player for some time now, and if they make a serious bid, we don't see why Schweinsteiger would say no.
MIKEL ARTETA (EVERTON)
The heart and playmaker for Everton, Mikel Arteta has long been in Wenger's crosshairs, and now that there is a void left by Fabregas, the 28-year-old has emerged as a strong replacement for the Spaniard. Possessing the same qualities as Fabregas, Arteta has made a name for himself as a creative playmaker who can orchestrate plays through midfield during his six-year stay with the Toffees. With almost 150 Premier League appearances under his belt, Arteta will be the perfect fit for Arsenal's brand of football.
Will it happen? If Arsenal really wants him, why not? Everton is reportedly willing to part with Arteta due to their financial state, and with Arteta's performance being less than impressive so far, Arsenal might be able to get him for less than £10 million.
WESLEY SNEIJDER (INTER MILAN)
Over the years, Wesley Sneijder has established himself as a world-class attacking midfielder. His ability to run with the ball and score from long range, and not to mention his pace and playmaking skills, made him one of football's most lethal attackers. Wenger is known to be a fan of the 27-year-old free kick specialist, and Sneijder even once admitted that he's an admirer of the Gunner's playing style. Signing Sneijder would definitely please the Emirates crowd.
Will it happen? If only Arsenal have a cabinet full of trophies mysteriously appear out of thin air. Not only is the £35 million price tag a big turn off, Sneijder looks certain to be heading to Manchester United. Plus, if (a big IF) Sneijder decides to snub United, Arsenal would have to dig deep into their wallet to satisfy his pay demands. Like, really, really deep.
KAKA (REAL MADRID)
It may sound surreal, but rumours are circulating that Wenger is looking to lure former Ballon d'Or winner Kaka to the Emirates. The 29-year-old Brazilian has failed to recapture the form that made him a revered figure at AC Milan, and he was reportedly told by coach Jose Mourinho that he is no longer part of the club's plans. Real Madrid is looking to offload him for as low as £20 million, and with the £33 million nesting in their bank account after the Fabregas transfer; £20 million is not that obscene for a player of Kaka's capabilities. There is no question what qualities Kaka would bring to the club, and the sight of him in Arsenal red would make fans jump with absolute joy.
Will it happen? It might, but a very long shot. The last we heard, Real rejected a loan bid from the Gunners because they were looking for a permanent move. Wenger is reluctant to spend that much money on a soon-to-be 30-year-old, and his wage demands of almost £9 million per season would prove to be quite a deterrent.
)
