Arsenal’s transfer activity so far this summer has left little room for excitement for fans. July is around the corner, meaning Arsene Wenger and company will have two months to complete the necessary deals to strengthen the squad.
For what seems like the first summer in years, rather than talk of Arsenal losing their best players, the word is there could be big names joining them instead.
Wenger reportedly has a record transfer budget to spend on players this summer and the Frenchman looks set to splash the cash in an attempt to win Arsenal’s first piece of silverware since 2005. Here are Arsenal’s current transfer targets.
Julio Cesar [badge type=”info” text=”Queens Park Rangers”]
Arsenal are to compete with Roma and Fiorentina for the Brazil goalkeeper Júlio César, with Queens Park Rangers braced to receive a formal bid for his services in the coming week following the conclusion of the Confederations Cup.
QPR have made no secret that the 33-year-old is effectively available despite his fine form during a traumatic campaign that culminated in relegation from the top flight.
Wayne Rooney [badge type=”info” text=”Manchester United”]
The Gunners have been strongly linked with the England international ever since Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the player requested a transfer from Old Trafford last season.
Arsene Wenger’s side have now reportedly made their interest concrete with a £20m approach, which will spark a bidding war with London rivals Chelsea.
However Rooney’s future will be decided this week as he finally sits down with new Manchester United manager David Moyes to discuss whether his nine-year stay at the club is over.
Gonzalo Higuain [badge type=”info” text=”Real Madrid”]
Gonzalo Higuain is putting the finishing touches on his agreement with Arsenal, and is just waiting for Real Madrid to accept the Gunners’ offer, according to reports.
Spanish newspaper Marca claim the Argentinean striker has all-but signed off on terms to join Arsene Wenger’s side, but must now wait for the two sides to come to an agreement over a fee.
Real are holding out for an offer in excess of £25.5million, and with Arsenal prepared to go closer to the asking price than Juventus – who recently signed Carlos Tevez, it seems to only be a matter of time before Higuain makes his move to the Emirates.
Marouane Fellaini [badge type=”info” text=”Everton”]
The Belgium international is widely expected to leave Goodison Park this summer having made clear his intention to join a bigger club last season.
It is thought the departure of manager David Moyes has confirmed Fellaini’s thoughts and he is ready to make a move to a side that can offer him Champions League football.
This could pave the way for a move to Arsenal with Arsene Wenger known to be a firm admirer of Fellaini’s talents.
The midfielder could be available for as little as £25 million due to a minimum fee release clause in his contract at Everton.
Ashley Williams [badge type=”info” text=”Swansea”]
Ashley Williams is also a target for Wenger. The Gunners boss wants to re-enforce the Gunners defence this summer and believes Williams could be an excellent signing following his performances this season for Swansea.
Williams is definitely a leader and that is something that Arsenal sides have been missing lately. He is also a strong, physical presence at centre-back. The main problem for Arsenal though is that Swansea are reluctant to let their captain go and are demanding at least £10 million for the defender, which the club are currently refusing to pay.
Kyriakos Papadopoulos [badge type=”info” text=”Schalke”]
Arsenal are battling it out with Liverpool to sign Schalke’s £12million-rated centre-back Kyriakos Papadopoulos.
Wenger tracked the Greece international two years ago and is now considering making a move. With Ashley Williams’ switch from Swansea now looking unlikely, Papadopoulos has emerged as an alternative for the London club.
Tin Jedvaj [badge type=”info” text=”Dinamo Zagreb”]
Tin Jedvaj’s agent Zoran Ban says that Arsenal have contacted Dinamo Zagreb about the 17-year-old defender.
Jedvaj has already been called up to train with the full Croatia national squad despite his inexperience and had been linked with a move to Serie A side Roma and Premier League rivals Tottenham.
Asier Illarramendi [badge type=”info” text=”Real Sociedad”]
Arsenal face stiff competition from Real Madrid for Asier Illarramendi this summer.
The 23-year-old Real Sociedad was part of the successful Spain U-21 team that triumphed in the European Championships. Arsenal have been keeping a tab on him, as they are on the lookout for a creative midfielder.
Illarramendi has been touted as the next Xabi Alonso, such is his vision and passing ability. Reports from Spain have surfaced that Real Madrid are in the process of making an offer for Illarramendi, who has a £25.7m release clause in his contract.
Victor Wanyama [badge type=”info” text=”Celtic”]
Victor Wanyama has enjoyed a highly successful season at Celtic, helping the club to win the Scottish Premier League and reach the second round of the Champions League. It is his performances in the Champions League that has led to interest from clubs.
Arsenal are amongst the front-runners to make a move for the midfielder. Wenger is looking to buy a central midfielder this summer with Mikel Arteta getting older and the dynamic Wanyama could be the player that he is after