02 Jul 2013 18:52:14
Hi everyone, I'd like to briefly look at all the players we've been recently linked with, and try and guess which one of these rumours could possibly come true and which couldn't.

1) Gonzalo Higuain: The player is reportedly keen, and his agent has made the right noises, and we've been pursuing him pretty actively as well. Only a medical left before confirmation. 95%

2) Wayne Rooney: Will most likely NOT be joining. It just doesn't make sense. The very antithesis of a Wenger signing. Even if there was some interest, a richer club a la Chelsea would probably blow us out of the water with a better offer. 5%

3) Fernando Torres: The less said about this, the better. 0%

4) Julio Cesar: Looking very likely. The player is keen to stay in London, QPR needs to get rid, and we need an experienced alternative/backup to Szczesny. 90%

5) Marouane Fellaini: The player appears keen provided his wage demands are met, Arsenal seem to be unwilling to match that as well as his release clause. Hopefully a compromise can be found in between. 50%

6) Clement Grenier: For all our purported problems in midfield, I'm not sure he's the solution to that. Still, likely to be a useful squad player, if he's willing to accept that role. 40%

7) Lars Bender: Extremely unlikely that Leverkusen will sell, having just been the subject of a couple of high-profile departures. They have no need to either, and they're playing the CL next year. I wonder whether the reports of an Arsenal bid are merely to frighten Fellaini into reducing his wage expectations. 25%

8) Ashley Williams: Not that Djourou is gone, we do need a 4th choice defender. I don't see him relinquishing the captaincy of Swansea to sit on our bench when Kos, Mert and Verm are fit. Still, the lure of the Champions League may be too much to ignore. 10%

9) Cesc Fabregas: Not likely now. Has unfinished business at Barca. 5%

Hope I haven't missed anyone important.

Stangunner

1.) 02 Jul 2013
02 Jul 2013 19:04:00
Tho l you are prettying spot on. Hope the PSG doesn't ruin things km

2.) 02 Jul 2013
I look at that list and I would love Higuain and Cesar, but the position I am concerned about the most is midfield. I really think we need that beast in midfield that can break up play and distribute the ball forward. Seeing spurs get a strong midfielder like Paulinho concerns me.

3.) 02 Jul 2013
02 Jul 2013 20:06:44
No one seems to have mentioned Paul Pogba for a while, Wenger was by all accounts beaten to his signature by Fergie when he left Le Harve.

Was showing class for Juve last season and is currently looking good for the French U20 team.

Think he really would be a quality purchase and seems crazy Utd let him go.

Stoner {Ed027's Note - Utd wanted to keep him, Pogba left on a free to play football, he made a good decision in the end, only regret Utd may have is not playing him more, but it is understandable with his attitude

4.) 03 Jul 2013
03 Jul 2013 10:32:06
Ed0027, after your note I googled why he left and it seems like just for game time, he asked to play more but fergie brought scholes back in so he didn't think he'd get games.

was there something else about him that would be of concern and do we have any interest now? thanks.

stoner {Ed027's Note - Just his attitude mate, he is still a good prospect, he thinks he's made it already, his attitude in some of the U20 games was awful, it's like he couldn't be arsed. I think he's one of those that Wenger will always like, but the chances of him actually coming are small as he will cost a fair bit