Wenger Has £40 Million - Who Will He Buy?

Gary Cahill

Arsene Wenger has been given £40 million by Arsenal, and been told that he can do absolutely anything he wishes with it. Well, as long as that 'anything' is in regards to any players he wishes to purchase in the transfer market - a market which has been scarcely used by the Arsenal manager in large quantities for a while. A market which Sir Alex Ferguson, Wengers rival, claims there is "no value" - a claim well supported by Chelsea, who proved exactly that by splashing £10 million more than what Wenger has to spend on a striker who has so far made no impact on their title chase, scoring zero goals.

So with that in mind, who will Wenger bring to Arsenal, who he believes will add something different, somehing better to the squad. A squad which many commentators, critics and pundits suggests needs adding to, in the form of real stability - a defensive midfielder perhaps, or a good few central defenders to sure up that shaky defence, and maybe even an injury free, reliably prolific striker who will convert the chances that Marouane Chamakh, Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie cannot.

It's all very easy to list what Arsenal need, but what's harder is to tell Wenger what Arsenal need, and then convert those thoughts into actions. The general consensus is that Arsenal must spend - explicitly suggested in the Arsenal board giving him £40 million to do what he likes with. But with Wenger stubbornly set in his ways of spending little and relying on youth, there will be a lot of thinking involved in finding the right players for the right values at Arsenal. With £40 million ready to spend, the gossip columns will have no shortage of players to link to Arsenal either, so here's a few already being tipped for a move.

Lets start with that defensive midfielder. Gokhan Inler is the man rumoured to be on Arsenal's wanted list, and at a rumoured bargain of £8 million, it seems too good to be true for Wenger. He was followed by Roy Hodgson when he managed Liverpool, and was tipped to be Javier Mascherano's replacement, but of course a deal never materialised and he remains playing at Udinese. Arsenal are apparently watching him closely, and it always helps when a player comes out with: "My future has absolutely not been decided". The player has a good work rate and aggressive style of play - an enforcer in the middle - something Arsenal desperately need.


Next up is those defenders who have been linked to Arsenal. Bolton's Gary Cahill has been mentioned more than several times, and his admission that he wants to be more like Jack Wilshere, playing against the big teams in the Champions League have not done any harm to a possible transfer to the Emirates. Wenger is a vocal admirer of Cahill who is starting to make a name for himself in the English national side, but his sudden rise to prominence has done something awful to put Wenger off. His asking price has risen drastically. Valued at over £20 million, surely this is out of Wenger's price range. Unfortunately I cannot imagine Wenger spending this much on a defender.


A defender far, far, far within Wenger's price range is Phillipe Mexes. In fact he's so cheap, he's free. His contract at Roma expires in June, making him a free-agent, however, Wenger will still need to use some of that £40 million to persuade the Frenchman to Arsenal. Mexes would come with a heft wage packet, and with Chelsea also rumoured to be on his trail, Arsenal must be ready (if they want him) to offer him those wages.

Other rumours are less prominent. They are so because they are rumours about attacking players, and Arsenal have no lack of those at the club, but perhaps if investment is not used, those class acts such as Nasri, Fabregas, van Persie and Walcott will turn their heads to new clubs - though that is unlikely considering their apparent loyalty to the cause. Attacking rumours include another Frenchman, Yann M'Vila and Sporting Lisbon forward Yannick Djalo. 


There is then of course, Arsenal admirer, and Wenger admirer, Eden Hazard. A very bright prospect, and real attacking flare, he has already stated that, "If one day I leave Lille, I will go to Real or Arsenal." The Belgian play maker is the "next big thing", and with Arsenal now having the money, surely Wenger wouldn't pass up the opportunity to have a player who really wants to play for his team and "dreamed of joining as a child."


Arsenal's goalkeeping situation is covered by Szczesny now, and I think most Arsenal fans, and Wenger accept him as their new number 1 goalkeeper, while Wenger doesn't look likely to delve into his pockets for a new one. Especially when he can just call Jens Lehmann back for free, or if he's not available, David Seaman.

DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Arsenal In £50 Million Summer Spending Spree

Gary Cahill

Plagued with injuries throughout the season to the extent that a new/old goalkeeper had to be brought in for back up, as well as being tormented with off form players slipping up a crucial times in massive matches, and Arsene Wenger is understandably frustrated. He must be wondering what he has done wrong to deserve the punishment of seeing his loyal but exhausted players suffer in this way. It isn't all bad when you consider Arsenal's position in the table - three points behind the leaders with a game in hand - but this season could have been about so much more than just the Premier League crown.

It is perhaps no wonder then, that Arsenal are being linked to two big money players to boost the squad this summer - give it some well needed depth, diversity and energy. These two players are Bolton's Gary Cahill and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema. I honestly cannot see it myself. It isn't that the two players wouldn't fit into the squad; Cahill, a strong, reliable, often goal scoring centre back would be welcomed in the beleaguered defence, while Benzema will have no shortage of fellow countrymen to communicate with (not to mention being a top class front man).  The rumours really get unbelievable when the price is quoted.

Cahill and Benzema are being valued at £25 million by the news sources. That's £25 million each. Probably around £40 million more than Wenger would dream of spending. His cautious, low profile approach to the transfer market has caused plenty of frustration among even patient supporters, as they await their first trophy for six years. It may yet come this year, but it will undoubtedly be very close, and with all of the teams around them certain to improve their squads in the summer, Arsenal do not want to be left behind at the start of next season in a year which looks to be even more competitive and tight than even this year has been so far.

Manchester United are apparently Arsenal's competition for the 25 year-old Cahill. United have seen a Vidic - Smalling partnership blossom in the absence of the seemingly always injured Rio Ferdinand, and if Ferdinand ever does receive further injures which is highly likely, United will need a top quality replacement. There have also been unsettling murmurings of Vidic's future as a United player as his wife apparently doesn't like it in Manchester. The Wes Brown - Chris Smalling defensive partnership has been poor so far, and Sir Alex will look for a new defender to banish any defensive worries in the future.


A bidding war is something neither side would want however, with Arsenal's reluctance to spend, and United's crushing debts reducing the possibility of big money signings.
The website states;

"The Trotters [Bolton] are bracing themselves for bids in the summer, and both Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to come to the table at some point with an offer for the England international.

Chelsea are also thought to be keen on landing the player, with the west London outfit also interested in the 25-year-old former Aston Villa defender.

Arsenal are still thought to be favourites though, although the Gunners will have to fight hard to see off Manchester United if these claims are to be believed."

Meanwhile, Wenger is supposedly a "big fan" of Benzema who was bought by Madrid from Lyon for £35 million two seasons ago. It is easy to see why, as Benzema has masses of exactly what Wenger is always looking for, craving for, searching for: "potential".

17 goals in 52 appearances this season isn't to impressive, but his previous form is far more impressive, with one season amassing 20 goals in just 36 appearances. A partnership of van Persie and Benzema would also be a vast improvement to what they have at the moment, and would add he depth up front which has been lacking.

Sir Alex Ferguson had tried to bring Benzema to United before he joined Madrid, but I doubt he would be after him again after being turned down already.

Arsenal Transfer Targets: Sakho, Samba, Cahill & Hazard?

Gary Cahill

It is the general consensus that Arsenal need to improve in defence. A number of players in this area have come under scrutiny throughout the past few seasons with the defensive issues the main topic of discussion for pundits in relation to Arsenal's wavering title credentials. It is no surprise therefore, that Arsenal are being linked to defenders to strengthen their back line, either in January or beyond.

Possible Arsenal Transfer Targets include:

Mamadou Sakho
20 year old 6 ft 2 in PSG defender who can play both in centre back and left back position. He is known for his leadership credentials, tireless engine, hard-working attitude, and his tackling ability. He has also been praised for his "physical and tactical qualities".

Gary Cahill
25 year-old Bolton Wanderers centre back. He is known to be a strong, reliable defender who is also impressive going forward.

Chris Samba
26 year old 6ft 4 inch no nonsense powerhouse centre back is very important to Blackburn Rovers but has expressed his desire to leave following the dismissal of manager Sam Allardyce.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hardly made his January transfer policy very clear over the past few weeks, but his latest statement is

 "If we find the players who can give something more to the team, we will do it."

He is known to not particularly like buying players in January, as players are valued, in his opinion too highly as clubs are desperate to hold on to their stars for the remainder of the season, however, this latest quote suggests that there may be one or two players he is interested in bringing to the club, especially in the defensive role.

A player who isn't likely to join in January, but most probably in the summer is attacking midfielder and the "next big thing", Eden Hazard. The Belgian play maker currently plays for French club Lille, but is full of praise for Arsenal, as we can see from quotes like these:

"If one day I leave Lille, I will go to Real or Arsenal.''

"Real Madrid and Arsenal are the clubs I dreamed of joining as a child."

and if two wasn't enough:

"Real and Arsenal are really great and play at a very high technical level"

*Hint hint.*
His attacking talents are quite brilliant for his young age of 19, and you can watch highlights of his short career so far in the video below.

Arsenal and Chelsea to Battle for English Defender

Gary Cahill

John Terry's injury has left Chelsea short on defenders, and therefore shaky at the back - the two consecutive losses to Sunderland and Birmingham emphasised their problems, and they will be looking to the January transfer market to bring in a replacement defender.

Arsenal do not have as bad a problem as Chelsea in terms of defenders; they can fill their back line without too many problems. However, losing a game in which you were two goals ahead doesn't exactly inspire confidence in fans critically observing the Arsenal defenders.

The solution? Gary Cahill of Bolton. The 24 year old has recently been called up to England duty, and has played an important role in the current success of his team. The chairman of Bolton has of course noted this, done some calculations and come up with a figure of around £15 million. That figure is what any possible suitors for the Bolton defender will have to pay, and Phil Gartside the chairman will have to accept due to crippling debt. He said:

“If a Champions League team knocks on our door in January that’s the best time to sell an asset because Champions League teams will pay the money”.

"Owners should be allowed to invest in equity. So if you, as an owner, want to buy a striker for £10m that shouldn't be a problem. But what you then can't do is pay him extortionate wages that take you out of the break-even situation. We are carrying too many on the wage bill."

With debts reportedly close to £100 million, it is imperative for Bolton to rake substantial amounts back into the club, and with Arsenal and Chelsea waiting in the wings, the trotters will be forced to sell. Gary Cahill himself may also be looking for a way out to a bigger club where he can challenge for trophies, and as an up and coming England star, a bigger club is a bigger stage to show off his talents.

Arsene Wenger doesn't want to live through the nightmare of the 2 - 3 home defeat to Tottenham, and Ancelotti will not want to get used to losing to mid table clubs, so it seems that Bolton's admission that their top players will have to be sold opens the door to any offers from the two clubs fighting for the title.