Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels his squad will finally be able to get the right mental preparation to hit the ground running at the start of the next season following a summer without speculation over the future of key players.
Wenger is facing a defining summer at Arsenal, with the club planning to entrust him with their largest ever transfer budget. Around £70 million will be available for squad strengthening this summer, with Arsenal targeting “three or four” players, including a genuinely world-class striker to fill the void that has been left by Robin van Persie.
In terms of forwards, the Gunners have been linked to a number of names within the last few weeks. Stevan Jovetic is a popular target for the majority of fans. The Fiorentina striker has been linked with a move to the Emirates for some time now and at just 23 years old he would be a great signing with huge potential.
However, Wenger will have to move quickly. Within recent days Juventus have emerged as a contender for the Montenegro international’s signature. Arsenal fans will not want to miss their chance to bring Jovetic to the Premier League.
The same could be said for AJ Auxerre striker Yaya Sanogo. The highly rated youngster has scored 9 goals in just 11 appearances for the French outfit this season. With his contract up at the end of the season, the 20-year-old is rumoured to be signing a four-year deal that will bring him to the Emirates this summer for absolutely nothing.
Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke is another attacking option for Arsenal this summer. His agent claims he wants to play Champions League football next season, and this is exactly what the Gunners have to offer. The 22-year-olds 19 goals in 34 appearances kept Aston Villa safe this campaign. He could be a fantastic signing.
Gonzalo Higuain is the final striker Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks. The Gunners have been quoted a price of £22 million for the Real Madrid frontman and it is reported that Arsene Wenger is preparing to proceed with negotiations.
French midfielder, Clement Grenier has also been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal. Despite Lyon coach Remi Garde’s attempts to convince the player to shun a summer move and “continue his progress” at the club, speculation linking Grenier with a move refuses to disappear.
Having contributed a handy seven goals and five assists to OL’s third-placed finish and with just a year left on his contract at the Stade de Gerland, the France Under-21 midfielder will likely receive a good deal of attention throughout the summer and has made no secret of his lofty career ambitions. Grenier will likely be a key target for Arsenal this summer, expect a serious bid to be made within the next few weeks.
Corsican born Remy Cabella has also been linked with a move to Arsenal. The Montpellier playmaker has had a huge €100 million price tag placed on him by his current club. Arsene Wenger is reported to be a fan of the 23-year-old and has had his eye on him for some time and took particular interest as he helped the club to win the French league title in 2012.
Furthermore, speculation has surfaced linking, fan favourite and former club captain, Cesc Fabregas with a surprise return to the Emirates. Just two seasons after he ‘headed home’ to boyhood club Barcelona, the Spanish midfielder looks like he could be leaving the Catalan giants. A buy-back clause in his current contract could see him return to London as an Arsenal player next season.
Swansea centre back, Ashley Williams, is another player who the Gunners could make a move for this summer. The London club have been admirers of the Welsh defender since the end of last season and they’re now in pole position to secure his services ahead of the 2013/14 campaign.
Simon Mignolet is the final player linked with a transfer to the Emirates. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has moved into pole position to sign the highly-rated Belgium -international in a £10million-plus deal this summer. Mignolet kept 11 clean sheets this season and played in every single game for Sunderland in the Premier League.