Arsenal wrapped up the signing of Santi Cazorla earlier this week, but by all accounts Arsene Wenger is not done yet…
Here are six players who have been linked with signing for the Gunners this week.
Korean midfielder, and Olympic star Ki Sung Hyeun has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates over the past 24 hours. The Celtic star was described by the tabloids as the ‘Korean Gerrard’, and at 23 he is said to be ready for a new challenge in his career. He has been at the Glasgow club since 2009, and with the SPL in the doldrums at present, there may be no better time to tempt him away. Arsenal would have to stump up around £9 million for his signature, and Celtic may even push for more. For more about him read our profile on the playmaker here.
Nuri Sahin is on his day a spellbinding midfielder, and has been given the green light for a loan move away from Real Madrid by boss Jose Mourinho. The player rejected a switch to Turkish side Besiktas earlier this week, keen on a move to the Premier League instead. Manchester United, and Tottenham are keen, but it is Arsenal and Liverpool who are the frontrunners for his signature, with conflicting reports over who is his preference. After signing Cazorla it could be argued Arsenal don’t need him, but that would depend on whether Alex Song stays or is sold.
Argentine striker Matias Suarez has been regularly linked with the Gunners since January, after impressing in the Europa League with Anderlecht. He can play wide on the left, and has also been mooted as a target for Liverpool where he would join his namesake. The Belgian Player of the Year was all set to move to CSKA Moscow but mysteriously failed a medical, leading to TalkSport reporting on Monday that Arsenal and Liverpool may rekindle their interest, but we’d say this one is unlikely, especially considering the concerns over his fitness.
This one is more likely, a swoop for Ajax right-back Gregory van der Wiel. The Dutchman has just one year left on his contract in Amsterdam, and has been linked also with Chelsea and Newcastle. Arsenal’s interest was originally reported by the Mirror this week. Bacary Sagna is out until mid-September recovering from a broken leg, leaving just Carl Jenkinson as cover at right-back. Can Wenger afford to gamble that Sagna will not suffer any setbacks? If not then van der Wiel will be a wise addition. Read our profile of the defender here.
Cameroon defender N’Koulou is a centre-back who has been linked with a move to the Emirates at varying points over the last year, and that interest was mentioned once again this week. He was more heavily linked with a switch to Manchester City, but the Mirror claim he is still on Wenger’s radar, but it may depend on the club moving on one of Johan Djourou or Sebastien Squillaci. The 22-year-old plays for Marseille, who say they do not want to sell.
Belgian striker Kevin Mirallas is a goalscorer who has been linked with a move to the Premier League all summer. He can play as a left winger or up front, and the Mail claim Wenger is interested in him if Robin van Persie leaves. He plays for Greek side Olympiakos where he scored 20 in 25 league games last season, and is available for around £6.5 million, a potential bargain.
The Sun report that Arsenal are keen on Senegal Olympic star Cheikhou Kouyate. He is a defensive midfielder who plays for Belgian side Anderlecht who has two years left on his current contract. Manchester City are also said to be interested in the 22-year-old player who can also play at centre-back.
Which of these players would you like to see at the Emirates?
image: © simonw92
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