Arsenal: Dortmund defender new target, ex-Gunner wants England return, Lacazette Update

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As well as hunting for a striker this window, Arsenal could do with extra support in their central defensive options, and Neven Subotic of Borussia Dortmund has emerged as a new target.

His contract does not expire until 2018, but the Serbian defender has posted on his Facebook page that he, “does not want to earn his money on the bench”. This is almost certainly as a result of Dortmund’s acquisition of Marc Bartra, who seems to have pushed Subotic further down the pecking order. With Arsenal in need of a better partner for Laurent Koscielny, a move for Subotic could happen with his desire for first team football.

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He has made 192 appearances for Borussia since joining in 2008 and was part of the squad that captured back-to-back Bundesliga titles and a German Cup from 2010 to 2012.  He is experienced, strong and a leader – qualities Arsenal need more of in their back-line. Injuries plagued him last term, playing only six league games. Nevertheless, his quality is undoubted, with his stoic presence being notable in the Dortmund squad for a number of years during their battle with Bayern Munich for top sport in Germany.

As Per Mertersacker gets older and Gabriel becomes more experienced, Arsenal need a man in the middle to play alongside new club captain Koscielny.  At 27, Subotic is heading into what should be his prime and with his determination to prove himself again, a fresh challenge in North London and Champions League football again will surely be tempting.

Back to their striker search, and could they be about to turn to an old friend; or foe, in their attempt to mount a serious quest for the league title. After scoring 132 goals in 277 matches for the Gunners, Robin Van Persie is looking for a new club this summer and a reunion with Arsenal is not out of the question.

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Fenerbahce president, Azil Yildirim, said earlier this week about the Dutchman: “We’re waiting for buyers”. It is clear that he is on his way out of his brief stint in Turkey, and would surely love a return to England where he made his name. 20 goals in 45 games in all competitions is hardly that bad a return in his debut season for Fener, but it seems they are not satisfied, as West Ham and Crystal Palace are other clubs who have been invited to bid for the Dutchman.

Arsene Wenger has always been adamant over the years in not re-signing players he has sold, apart from the historic return of Thierry Henry in 2012, but he is an exception with his status.  The opportunity of a return to the Emirates has arisen for the likes of Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas and even Kolo Touré inn the past, but Wenger has not grasped it.

The most notable of these was not opting to use their buy-back clause on Cesc Fabregas when he left Barcelona, as he joined Chelsea instead.  This means a deal for Van Persie is unlikely to happen, especially with the sensitive situation with Arsenal fans after his departure back in 2012, so fans would not be so keen on a comeback.

A striker they would welcome however, is Alexandre Lacazette.  Arsenal have the lure to secure their man, but must not dither in their bidding for the Lyon striker, as the club president has already stated, “I think he will stay.”  This should not stop a move though, for Arsenal have the money available to change the minds of the player and board, thereby persuading them to part ways with Lacazette to North London.

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Yet, they are not the only club interested as West Ham look set to come back with another offer for the Frenchman. Two offers have been rebuffed from the Hammers already but a third bid is in the process as they look to build on last season’s startling progress and move towards the top four.  Despite this, Arsenal will fancy their chances in a bidding war with West Ham, as the attraction of Champions League football is strong, let alone being able to play alongside star names of the calibre of Mesut Özil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech.

Chelsea and Manchester United have already made big statements in their additions up front in this transfer window. Now Arsenal need to make an equally top class purchase if they are to give Arsene Wenger a league-winning swan-song.

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