Arsenal FC vs Schalke Preview: Will the Gunners show their Mental Strength against Schalke?

Arsene Wenger has almost always made it a point to mention his team's mental resilience whenever they have managed to grind their way out of a tough situation. The game against Schalke at the Emirates will demonstrate just how much mental strength that the Gunners have to bounce back from that disappointing defeat against Norwich City. It was a flat performance from Arsenal and in truth, they looked far from a side looking to challenge for the title. But as is the case with football, a couple of weeks could really change things which is what Wenger will be hoping looking towards the game against Schalke. The French manager will be looking from the stands, serving his touchline ban and will expect his team to perform up to the required standard against a very good Schalke team.

The Bundesliga side beat champions Borussia Dortmund in the weekend and look like genuine title challengers this season. With players like Klaas Jan-Huntelaar, Lewis Holtby and Ibrahim Afellay in their ranks, there is no reason why they cannot sustain their good form should they keep their main players fit for most of the season. They will provide a serious threat to the Arsenal defense, who will have to be at their best to not let Schalke have many opportunities. Huntelaar is a player who is a perfect "fox-in-the-box" sort of striker and is not likely to pass up good opportunities to score and he has got some good players like Afellay, Farfan and Holtby who will support him well.

For Arsenal, the good news is that Laurent Koscielny is fit enough to come back to the squad but the question is whether or not he will be in the starting line-up. Per Mertesacker has done very well this season and if fit, he is most likely to start. Thomas Vermaelen does make mistakes at times and though he is a very good player, it has to be said that the decision to make him the captain of this Arsenal side is questionable considering that Koscielny could be considered a serious contender for his place in the starting line-up. The French international was arguably Arsenal's best defender in the last season and though he had a poor game against Chelsea, he deserves another chance to have a decent run in the side. Mikel Arteta would have been a more appropriate choice to be named as captain considering that he has the leadership skills and is also extremely consistent on the pitch.

Wenger has made his choice though and will have to stick with Vermaelen and Mertesacker as his first choice defensive pair because Koscielny and Vermaelen as a partnership does not look to be  too stable. With Huntelaar leading the line, he will cause plenty of problems for Arsenal and Mertesacker and Vermaelen will have a tough task to keep him quiet. With Gibbs not likely to feature against Schalke due to injury, Andre Santos is likely to be entrusted with the duty of stopping the supply of crosses from the right flank. Carl Jenkinson has been very impressive this season and will start again against Schalke but with him more or less a regular member of the side now, he has to also improve on his attacking duties and deliver more accurate crosses from the right for the Gunners. With Olivier Giroud leading the line for the Gunners, Jenkinson's crosses could be important in adding another dimension to their play.

In midfield, Aaron Ramsey could make way for Francis Coquelin, who deserves a chance considering that he has played well whenever given the opportunity to do so. The Welsh international had a woeful game against Norwich and needs to be benched for maybe a couple of matches unless he improves on his standard of performance. Arteta can be very influential further up the pitch as well considering that he and Cazorla do share an excellent understanding and the Spaniards have the capability of breaking down defenses with their vision and creativity. Jack Wilshere is not likely to make the squad having played the entire U-21 game against Everton on Monday but is likely to be on the bench for the game against QPR. His return to fitness is a timely boost for the Gunners, who have got a number of first team players out through injury.

With both Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out for the game against Schalke, there are not many options left for Arsene Wenger other than to continue playing Gervinho out wide with Giroud leading the line. Gervinho does not look at his best on the right wing and did have a very poor game against Norwich City. Lukas Podolski will continue to start on the left flank and the German international who will be facing familiar opposition will be looking to make an impact. With  Arsenal no longer having Robin van Persie to rely on for the goals, all the attacking players will have to step up and perform at their best if they want to seriously challenge for trophies this season.

It is a difficult task for the Gunners to defeat Schalke but a win will give them huge impetus after their defeat and importantly would put them in pole position to qualify as the Group toppers. It will allow them breathing space at the top of the table and will be a huge relief for Arsenal. It will not be a easy task but Wenger will be looking for a positive reaction from the defeat against Norwich City. Arsenal's mental strength will be put to the test on Wednesday against a tough team in front of a crowd who will be anxious right from the start. It is up to the team to show their quality and prove that the defeat against Norwich was just a one-off game. With plenty of important games coming in quickly from now till the end of the year, it is of vital importance that Arsenal beat Schalke and establish their position as the Group B leaders in the Champions League.

Arsenal Transfer News: Five Possible Upgrades That Could Bring a Title in 2012

It is that time of the year when almost every club is linked with all sorts of players, most of whom are unlikely to sign for the club in the transfer window. However, these transfer rumours interests most football fans as to whom or which sort of players their clubs are targeting in the summer and though some of them are ridiculous, there are some rumours which actually mean that their club are likely to bid for the player.

The supporters like to think of what they would do if they were the manager of the club they support and like to think of the potential new signings which could strengthen their team. Being an Arsenal supporter, I am going to do the same with my article on five possible players who could help the Gunners end their trophy drought.

With the Gunners going six years without a trophy, the fans have been frustrated and would like the manager to spend some money in the transfer market which could strengthen their team. It has come to a point where any excuse for not winning trophies by the manager will not be accepted and the team should have enough depth to compete till the end of the season.

Injuries have played an important part in Arsenal's trophy drought but Arsene Wenger should do his best to ensure quality depth in every position. The medical team at Arsenal are trying to reduce injuries to the player and using the GPS tracking system helps identify which players are more likely to get injured and the French tactician should rotate his players to ensure they can finally end their trophy drought in 2012.

1. Scott Parker

It is unfortunate for any club to be relegated to the lower division after fighting hard to keep their place in the top flight but failing to avoid the drop means that their best players are very likely to move to other clubs. West Ham's Scott Parker was named the Football Writers Player of the season for his outstanding efforts but since they were relegated, he could move to another club.

Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked with the former Chelsea midfielder and Wenger could have to pay quite a steep price for a 30-year old. However, Parker brings with him a lot of experience and leadership which has been missing for Arsenal and the England International could be the ideal foil for Jack Wilshere who has played alongside Parker in the England team.

Though Alex Song has grown into an effective holding midfielder for the Gunners, he does make mistakes and it is better for him to learn from an experienced player like Parker. Also, if Cameroon do qualify for the African Nations Cup, Song could be unavailable for Arsenal for a month or so and Arsenal have no experienced replacement for Song.

Emmanuel Frimpong is a promising talent at Arsenal but he needs more experience to be a regular in the squad. Though Diaby can play as the holding midfielder, he is not suited to the role and excels when he is allowed the freedom to attack from a deep role. There are many reasons for Arsenal to sign Scott Parker and it would be a great addition for the Gunners.

Alternatives

Arsenal will need to sign a defensive midfielder this season and if Wenger does miss out on signing Scott Parker, he must look for other alternatives. Blaise Matuidi is an excellent defensive midfielder who plays for St. Etienne in France and Alou Diarra would bring in a lot of experience in midfield. Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler is also a good defensive midfielder who would be a good addition for the Gunners.

2. Leighton Baines

Gael Clichy has been one of the longest serving players for the Gunners but he has been inconsistent this season and has always been prone to a lapse in concentration. He has only one year on his contract and has been linked with an exit after reports that he is likely to reject a new contract. If Clichy does depart, the Gunners will have only Kieran Gibbs and the inexperienced Armand Traore as the left backs left in the squad.

Everton's Leighton Baines has been linked with Arsenal and could be targeted by Arsene Wenger if Clichy does not sign a new contract. Baines is experienced in the Premiership and has good crossing ability in addition to being solid in defence. Though he has not had much experience in Europe, he is a quality player and one who could be important especially if Marouane Chamakh plays for the Gunners.

Though Kieran Gibbs has a lot of talent, he is quite prone to injuries and has also not been impressive when he has played this season. It would be a risk to depend on him for the entire 2011-12 season and Wenger should sign another player who can play at Left Back to provide enough depth in the team.

Alternatives

There are not enough quality left backs in the world and it would be difficult to find a good left back at a reasonable price. Jose Enrique of Newcastle has attracted the interest of Liverpool and could be targeted by Wenger if Everton do not intend to sell Baines and Emilio Izaguirre of Celtic has been linked with many top clubs and could move on for the right price though the Scottish club are keen to hold on to him. Also, Wenger could sign a versatile Centre Back who can play as left back if needed.

3. Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard is one of the most promising players in the world and was awarded the Player of the season in the French league. He has been tracked by a number of clubs and Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in securing his services. The tricky winger could be one of the best players in some years and the Lille player has already made appearances for the Belgium team.

Though Samir Nasri has had an excellent season for the Gunners, he has not yet signed a new contract with Arsenal which is a problem for Arsene Wenger. Also, Andrei Arshavin has not shown consistency this season and though he is capable of changing the game with a moment of his brilliance, his work rate and attitude has been questioned by a number of supporters.

Hazard, who has performed superbly for Lille, will not be available on a bargain but he could be a player who could be extremely important in the future. It is uncertain if he will leave Lille in the summer and having signed a new contract recently, he could stay with the Ligue 1 Champions.

Alternatives

Arsenal have been linked with some wingers including the likes of Gervinho and Stewart Downing and are likely to sign a winger if one of Nasri or Arshavin leaves the club. Gunners have also been linked with Velez winger Ricky Alvarez and Mario Goetze has also been reportedly targeted by Arsenal. It will be interesting to see which winger Arsenal can buy in the summer if any of Nasri or Arshavin leaves. Another option is to sign a versatile forward like Karim Benzema who is comfortable on the wings.

4. Per Mertesacker

Arsenal were linked with Per Mertesacker last year when they were searching for replacements for William Gallas and Sol Campbell who left on free transfers. The Germany International could be an intelligent addition for the Gunners who struggled to deal with set-pieces. Mertesacker is good in the air at 6' 6" and is also a clean defender and commits less fouls.

Though he has been accused of being slow, he has immense experience and his positioning is excellent. He has been a very consistent defender in the Bundesliga and has already made 75 appearances for Germany at the age of 26. He is a defender who can tackle well and also make crucial interceptions and has played at the highest level in Europe and has represented Germany in two world cups.

It was reported that Mertesacker's contract runs till the end of 2011-12 season and a bid for the right price would interest Werder Bremen to sell their defender. His experience could be vital for the Gunners and though he is not as physical as Christopher Samba or Gary Cahill, he shown enough quality and toughness to cope with the Premiership.

Alternatives

Blackburn's Christopher Samba has been linked with the Gunners while Gary Cahill is another player who has been linked with Arsenal for quite a long time. Arsene Wenger might prefer to go for a player who is experienced in the Premiership and could move for one of the aforementioned duo. Jan Vertonghen, who could provide depth in many positions, could also be targeted by Wenger while Mamadou Sakho is another french defender who has excelled for PSG this season. Squillaci has been distinctly mediocre this season and could be sold by Wenger to make way for any new defender. 

5. Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema has been linked with Arsenal and almost all Arsenal supporters would like to see the talented Frenchman representing the Gunners in the next season. However, he has performed impressively for Real Madrid this season and could stay with the Los Blancos if he is assured of enough playing time by Jose Mourinho.

Though Robin van Persie is one of the best strikers in the world, he has missed a number of games for the Gunners due to injuries since he joined Arsenal from Feyenoord. Marouane Chamakh is a good player who can score important goals but he is not clinical with his finishing with his feet and has not been prolific throughout his career.

Nicklas Bendtner has clearly stated that he wants to move on to gain more playing time after making only three starts in the Premiership and he has also been used on the wing on a number of occasions. The future of the talented Carlos Vela is still uncertain but he has not been able to produce consistent performances when given opportunities.

If Benzema is signed, it will prove to be a great addition for the Gunners but it is likely that Arsene Wenger will be lining up other targets as well because the Gunners need a quality striker in order to win the Premiership next season.

Alternatives

The usually frugal Wenger has claimed that a deal for Benzema would not be impossible indicating that he is ready to spend the money to acquire some quality players. If Real Madrid do not sell Benzema, it is likely that Arsenal will target Porto's Radamel Falcao who has been in sensational form in the last two seasons since he joined Porto. If Real Madrid do sign Sergio Aguero and hold on to Benzema, Arsenal could tempt Gonzalo Higuain with a move to the Emirates though it sounds far-fetched. Since the departure of Thierry Henry, the Gunners have not had a player who can consistently score more than 25 goals a season and that is exactly what Wenger would look for in a striker.

Arsenal Transfer Revamp: How can Arsene Wenger build a World Class team

After encountering another trophy-less season for the Gunners, the manager Arsene Wenger will be under immense pressure to end this trophy drought. If reports are to be believed, Stan Kroenke, the new owner of the club, has promised the manager with a large transfer kitty of around 40 million. The manager has insisted that he only needs minor adjustments to the squad but with the Gunners enduring six years of frustration, he might be forced to bring in some experienced players.

Wenger admitted that he would have to meet a number of frustrated players in the Arsenal squad including the likes of Andrei Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner and would have to discuss their futures in the summer. There have also been a number of players who have been linked with Arsenal and the manager could be looking at some of them to bolster the squad in the summer.

This article discusses the potential transfers within the budget of the manager which could result in a world class team which can challenge for titles in the future.


1. Scott Parker- 8 million

The West Ham United midfielder has attracted a lot of interest from the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City but if Wenger is prepared to spend the required money, Parker might sign for Arsenal. His signing will be of great help for the Gunners as he will provide cover for the troublesome area of defensive midfield where there is no competition for Song.

Also, he is vastly experienced in the Premiership and plays alongside Wilshere in the National team. The midfielder can quite easily slot in the role of Wilshere if needed and can start attacks by driving in from midfield and more importantly, he has superb commitment on the pitch.

If the midfielder is signed, he can guide youngsters like Frimpong and Ramsey to have good mental strength
because the Englishman has faced a lot of disappointments in his career and has shown great mentality to establish a place in the England team at the age of 31.

2. Eden Hazard - 15 million

The Belgian winger has attracted the interest of a number of big clubs and Arsenal are amongst the clubs who have been monitoring his progress. Lille have established a healthy lead at the top of the table and Hazard has been an integral part of the side after suffering a slow start to the season.

Arsenal have been interested in signing the winger as the replacement for Andrei Arshavin who is likely to depart the Emirates after being benched for a number of games this season. If Arshavin does indeed leave as expected, Arsenal could make a move for the Lille winger who signed a new contract recently.

However, the new contract will not hamper him from making his move but the Gunners could be forced to spend around 15 million to secure his services in the summer.

3. Karim Benzema - 20 million / Kevin Gameiro - 10 million

Nicklas Bendtner is set to have showdown talks with Arsene Wenger regarding his future and Wenger could allow the Dane to leave. Robin van Persie is a striker of the highest quality but he has been injured for a number of matches in his Arsenal career and Wenger is expected to sign a new striker in the summer if Bendtner does leave.

Karim Benzema is a young French International who has the capability to do extremely well in the future. The striker has been prolific for Lyon and in this season, he has found his goalscoring for Real Madrid. However, if Madrid do sign a high profile striker like Didier Drogba or Carlos Tevez, then Benzema could be eager to leave the club in order to enhance his prospects of playing regularly.

However should Madrid opt not to sell the striker or price him out of a move to Arsenal, Wenger could look to sign Lorient striker Kevin Gameiro who has been superb this season for the French side. The versatile striker could be an excellent addition for the Gunners despite his small size, his movement and goalscoring ability enables him to be prolific.

Radamel Falcao is another striker whom Wenger could be looking at but it is likely that FC Porto will look to retain his services and after his record breaking exploits this season, he could be priced out of Arsenal's range and even if he is signed, he would demand a regular starting place at Arsenal, which cannot be guaranteed.

4. Per Mertesacker - 10 million

Though Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka have been rumored to be tracked by the Gunners, Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker could be a solid addition for Arsenal. The Gunners have a distinct lack of height in their team and have conceded a number of goals on set-pieces. Mertesacker is a very tall defender and is extremely good on set-pieces.

The only accusation labeled against him is his lack of pace but his positioning is immaculate and makes up for his limitations. Besides, Thomas Vermaelen is likely to start every game for Arsenal if he is fit but the Belgian centre back has a tendency to be caught too high up the pitch at times. The Germany International excels in the sweeper role alongside a more aggressive defender and could be the ideal fit for Arsenal.

5. Leighton Baines - 10 million

Arsenal will not need to sign a left back if Gael Clichy signs a new contract with the Gunners in the summer but if he does not, then the manager is likely to sign a new left back because Kieran Gibbs has not been impressive this season. However another option for the manager is to play Vermaelen or Eboue at left back but it is unlikely considering Eboue's poor form and Vermaelen's experience in the centre.

One option for Arsenal is to sign the Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen, who is very capable of playing as a left back and allow Kieran Gibbs the time to develop by providing him time against lesser oppositions. Vertonghen would cost around 15 million but considering his versatility, it could be an intelligent buy by Wenger, who should target him if not Mertesacker.

Baines has been in superb form throughout the season for Everton and is experienced in the Premiership. He has great attacking qualities and though he has not got the burning pace of Clichy, he has good stamina and can be solid in defence as well as make marauding runs down the left flank.

How to generate the money required for these new signings?

1. Denilson - 4 million

The Brazilian midfielder is one of those Arsenal players who is most likely to move on after receiving extremely less playing time this season. He cannot be an effective substitute for Song and has not shown enough desire to be attacking.

It is probable that Arsenal will sell the midfielder because he is considered excess to the requirements of Arsenal and it is likely that Emmanuel Frimpong will receive more playing time in the Carling Cup and other matches where Song and Parker are injured.

2. Abou Diaby - 6 million

The French International is a talented midfielder who has suffered ever since he sustained a broken ankle early in his Arsenal career. He has been troubled by injuries throughout his time at Arsenal and has only made 19 appearances this season and has been repeatedly injured after playing four or five games consecutively.

Though Wenger likes Diaby, the Frenchman is far too injury prone and is currently not needed in this Arsenal team which has the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere who are very capable of playing in his role alongside the defensive midfielder.

3. Andrei Arshavin - 8 million

Though Arshavin has very good statistics this season, the same cannot be said of his performances and there has been an alarming dip in his pace this season. He has struggled to recapture the form that made Wenger splash the cash to acquire his services. Arshavin is undoubtedly a quality player but he has not shown enough work rate to justify his place in the team.

Also, being the captain of Russia, he will want to play regularly which will not be the case at Arsenal and the fact that he has only one year on his contract would indicate that the player is likely to move.

4. Sebastien Squillaci - 4 million

The French International was signed for Sevilla for a fee close to 5 million and has struggled toform a successful partnership with Laurent Koscielny. The French centre back has not been impressive in his debut season with the club and it will be no surprise if Wenger conveys to the defender that he has no future at the club.

Though it will be unfortunate for Squillaci if Arsenal decide to sell him after only one season, the club needs to challenge for the highest honours and bring in quality players in order to win trophies.

5. Nicklas Bendtner - 8 million

The Danish striker believes that he is certainly one of the best strikers in the world and though he is talented, his performances on the pitch have not been impressive. He has hardly been a prolific striker and Wenger's decision to play him on the right wing has not gone down with the tall striker.

Bendtner is expected to have showdown talks with Wenger in the summer but with clubs interested in acquiring him, the Dane might opt to leave the club.

6. Gael Clichy - 10 million

The French left back has only one year of his contract remaining and should he not extend it, it is quite likely that Arsenal will be prepared to sell him to any club interested in meeting their valuation and signing him. If he does extend his contract, Arsene Wenger will persist with him and is likely to not make a move for any other left back.

Clichy has made mistakes this season but it is difficult to find quality left backs for the right price. Gibbs has been unimpressive this season and Wenger would like Clichy to stay at the Emirates and sign a new deal.

7. Tomas Rosicky - 6 million

Rosicky is a player who was expected to provide the creativity for Arsenal when he signed from Borussia Dortmund. However since recovering from his long term injury, he has not been able to capture his best form and has looked lacklustre in a number of games this season. Though he has been fit for most of the season, he has watched from the bench as he has not been preferred by Wenger.

For someone who promised so much early in his Arsenal career, his inability to recapture his best form has been a disappointment for Arsenal.

Transfers In:

Scott Parker – 8 million

Per Mertesacker-10 million

Kevin Gameiro – 10 million / Karim Benzema – 20 million

Leighton Baines – 8 million

Eden Hazard – 15 million

Total money to be spent- 51 million (or 61 million if Benzema is available)


Transfers Out:

Denilson – 4 million

Abou Diaby – 6 million

Andrei Arshavin – 8 million

Gael Clichy – 10 million

Tomas Rosicky – 6 million

Nicklas Bendtner – 8 million

Sebastien Squillaci – 4 million

Total Money which can be recouped- 46 million

(all the estimated transfer prices are in Pounds)


The Arsenal team after these transfers

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny/ Lukasz Fabianski/Vito Mannone

RB: Bacary Sagna/Emmanuel Eboue

LCB: Thomas Vermaelen/Laurent Koscielny/Kyle Bartley

RCB: Johan Djourou/Per Mertesacker(or) Jan Vertonghen

LB: Leighton Baines (or) Gael Clichy/Kieran Gibbs/Thomas Vermaelen

CDM: Alex Song/Scott Parker/Emmanuel Frimpong

CM: Jack Wilshere/ Scott Parker/Aaron Ramsey

CAM: Cesc Fabregas/Samir Nasri/Aaron Ramsey

RW: Samir Nasri/Theo Walcott/Jay Emmanuel Thomas

LW: Eden Hazard/Samir Nasri/ Kevin Gameiro

CF: Robin van Persie/ Kevin Gameiro/ Marouane Chamakh

Arsenal Transfer Prospects: The Pros and Cons of Signing Gary Cahill

Arsene Wenger made it clear that he was in the market for a new defender a few days back but there has been no signing till now and with only nine days to go before the transfer window closes, the French tactician will look to bring another centre back to the Emirates. The Gunners have only two fit centre backs Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou who are fit and the other two defenders Sebastien Squillaci and Thomas Vermaelen are currently injured.

Djourou who did not play in the previous season except for the final game was expected to play only two games a week for the most of this season. However injuries have meant that the Swiss defender has had to play a number of games and the Gunners have benefited greatly from his impressive form this season. Despite his superb performances, Wenger will want to rest him of possible so that he stays fit.

The Gunners will be in a horrible position if the Swiss International gets injured at this time of the season which is why Wenger needs to bring in another defender. They have been linked with a number of defender including the likes of Christopher Samba of Blackburn and Per Mertesacker of Werder Bremen but one defender who has been continuously linked with a move to the Emirates is Bolton defender Gary Cahill.

Wenger has also stated that he would like to sign a defender who has the experience of playing in the Premiership. In the previous season, Cahill was one of the targets according to reports but he was priced too high which is why Arsenal could not sign him. It is likely to be quite high this time as well but Cahill could be interested in the move which would be significant in reducing the price.

Chelsea's top target remains Benefica defender David Luiz and should they sign the talented defender, it is unlikely that any other top European club other than Arsenal will be interested in signing the English International. Also, the Gunners could loan the talented Carlos Vela till the end of the season which would also interest Bolton manager Owen Coyle.

The Bolton defender has been in superb form this season which is one of the reasons that the club is in the top half of the table. Though it does seem like a no-brainer that Arsenal sign the English defender, let us analyse the pros and cons of signing the talented defender.

Advantages

Gary Cahill is a quality defender who has proved that he is amongst the best defenders in the league with consistent displays this season. Also, he is quite young at 25 and has a bright future ahead of him. The England International has excellent aerial ability which is important and also makes vital interceptions to break up play when necessary. He is experienced in the Premiership and will fit into the Arsenal without many problems.

He has also got leadership skills despite his age and can be immense for the Gunners in the future if they do sign him. Wenger likes defenders who have decent technical ability and Cahill is one of the few defenders who can bring out the ball from the back to start attacks. He is also eligible to play in the Champions League games this season which is not the case with many other transfer targets like Mertesacker and Vertonghen.

Disadvantages

Cahill is a player who will undoubtedly add a lot of quality to the team which is why it is difficult to point out many disadvantages in signing the talented England International. The biggest problem that Wenger would face if he does sign a player like Cahill is how he will accommodate him in the first team. It would mean that the Gunners have five centre backs and it is likely that Sebastien Squillaci might be sold in the summer which is unfortunate for the French centre back.

Koscielny and Djourou have both shown that they have the talent to be successful for the Gunners on a regular basis for the Gunners and both of them deserve to have enough playing time in the future in order to develop into excellent defenders in the future. Thomas Vermaelen is certainly going to be a starter if he is match fit which leaves only one place for the other defenders.

Gary Cahill will be most likely to start games alongside the Belgian while Koscielny and Djourou might not get enough opportunities to realise their potential. Koscielny and Djourou have both shown that they do have a lot of potential but if Cahill is signed by Arsenal, it is likely that the duo will receive lesser playing time in the important competitions.

Will Wenger Spend the Money Required to Sign Gary Cahill?

Arsene Wenger will have to make a big decision this week on whether to spend the money required to acquire a quality defender like Gary Cahill. The French tactician will have to sell one of the two new defensive acquisitions in the summer if they do buy a defender like Cahill. Also, Djourou in particular deserves to start games regularly for the Gunners and he looks to have got over his injury problems.

The French tactician might opt for a quick fix solution and buy a defender of much lower quality like Matthew Upson or Sol Campbell but if Arsenal are to challenge consistently on all four fronts, a strong defender like Gary Cahill could be extremely useful for the Gunners and with the goalkeeping issues finally solved, a quality central defender is the requirement for Arsenal to win titles regularly in the future

Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Analysing the Pros and Cons of Signing Per Mertesacker

Arsene Wenger has recently confirmed that the impressive Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen has suffered another setback in training and is not likely to make a return for the Gunners in the near future. He has also clearly stated that he would have to sign a centre back in January to ease the pressure and work load on the other defenders.

With Arsene Wenger indicating that the Gunners need another centre back, it is likely that the French tactician will target someone who will add quality to the defence. In recent days, the Gunners have been linked with a number of centre backs including the likes of Christopher Samba, Gary Cahill and Per Mertesacker. Mertesacker was also linked with a move to the Emirates in the summer but Arsenal signed Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci to replace the outgoing William Gallas and Sol Campbell.

Sebastien Squillaci has not been impressive so far while Koscielny is improving with experience. However it would be a great boost to their title hopes if they can sign a quality defender who has the experience. Squillaci has also sustained a hamstring injury which leaves Koscielny and Djourou as the only Centre Backs in the squad and the Swiss International cannot be risked in too many games.

This is the reason why Wenger will be forced to spend money in January though it is unsure whether they can attract a top quality defender to leave their club this month. German International Per Mertesacker has only 18 months still on his contract and could be tempted to move to a top European club like Arsenal at this stage of his career. Also, Werder Bremen are already out of the Champions League and are struggling in the Bundesliga.

Though the German International has insisted that he wants to concentrate on his club for now, he could still move in January if Arsenal make the right offer for the tall defender. Let us analyse the pros and cons in signing the experienced Germany defender.

Advantages

Mertesacker is only 26 years of age and still has a long and bright career ahead of him. The German International is vastly experienced with more than 70 International caps to his name and is considered as one of the most consistent centre backs in the world. The fact that he has not yet signed for any top European club yet makes him a possible target for Arsenal who could get him at a lower price because he has only one more year running on his contract.

The tall defender would be a huge boost to Arsenal especially during set-piece situations where the Gunners have conceded some soft goals. The giant Centre Back is a leader at the back and his experience is invaluable to the team in the absence of Thomas Vermaelen. Also, he has got the knack of scoring from set-pieces for his team which makes him a goal scoring threat in such situations.

The Centre Back is very good in reading the game and making vital interceptions. He is a very fair player and is a good tackler. He has also got decent technical ability and his distribution of the ball is good. Mertesacker has shown that he has the ability to be a success in top clubs and with Werder currently struggling, he might look for a new challenge in England.

Disadvantages

It is hard to find disadvantages in signing a quality centre back like Mertesacker but there are some things which Wenger might consider before splashing the cash on the German International. Mertesacker does not have too much pace and might take time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League. Also, he is not having the best of seasons at Werder Bremen and this could prove to be a major challenge for the defender considering that he will have to justify his hefty price tag. The German International will also be ineligible to play in the Champions League games for Arsenal because he represented Werder Bremen earlier in the competition.

Mertesacker will certainly be a great addition for the Gunners but his signing will spell the end of Sebastien Squillaci’s short Arsenal career who will probably be sold in the summer. This is because Wenger has identified that Koscielny has a lot of talent which is why he spent around £8.5 million to acquire his services. Thomas Vermaelen is Arsenal’s best defender while Johan Djourou has shown everyone that he has a bright future at Arsenal. Wenger might have to sell Squillaci in the summer and also, with four quality centre backs in the squad, it will be extremely difficult for talented youngsters Ignasi Miquel and Kyle Bartley to break into the first team.

One more factor which must be considered is the fact that the Gunners might have to be involved in a bidding war with many other clubs. Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with the defender which makes it harder for Arsenal to sign the defender on a bargain. However, Arsenal are a profit-making enterprise and Wenger will have enough money to spend in January.

Wenger’s Decision

The French tactician has been frustrated by the lack of titles in the last five years and that is one of the reasons why the Carling Cup has been considered seriously by Wenger. The reason why Arsenal’s title challenge faltered was mainly due to injuries to key players at important times in the season. With Vermaelen suffering a setback to his Achilles injury, Wenger might be cautious and will not take a gamble. Djourou has only just recovered completely from his injuries but it is better for him to have a lesser work load.

The addition of a quality defender could prove to be an excellent January signing for Arsenal and it will help them boost their chances of winning a trophy. Per Mertesacker’s calmness and experience will add a lot of quality to the defence and though Wenger may have to spend around £15 million, it would be worth the gamble if the Gunners can win a major trophy.

Arsenal Transfer Analysis: Arshavin, Bendtner, Squillaci out; Hazard, Suarez, Mertesacker In

Arsenal’s manager Arsene Wenger made it clear that the club will not sign big names because their budget would not permit it. The French tactician is intent on running the club in a profitable way and has done a great job in keeping Arsenal’s status as one of the top European clubs.

In his early years at Arsenal, he did spend some money on players like Thierry Henry but after the move to the Emirates, he has spent more than £10 million on only three players: Andrei Arshavin, Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Kosielny. In this article, this is my view why Arsenal can sign big names like Suarez without compensating too much on their policy of not spending much. These transfers could be spread over the January and the summer transfer window and would ensure Arsenal have a strong team for the 2011-12 team.


Luis Suarez: £25 million for Nicklas Bendtner: £12 million

Nicklas Bendtner has been frustrated by the lack of opportunities at the club and might seek for opportunities outside Arsenal. He is currently the third choice striker behind Marouane Chamakh and Robin van Persie and has been linked with Lazio, Ajax and some other clubs. It is likely that Arsene Wenger would let the Danish International leave if the right offer comes his way. At 22, Bendtner needs to play regularly to maintain his place in the Denmark team and will look for a move in January or in the summer.

Luis Suarez is one of the best strikers in the world and is currently plying his trade with Ajax. He is a proven goal scorer and could add a lot to the Gunners. The Uruguayan striker is said to be not happy with the departure of Martin Jol and with the club in financial crisis, they could be forced to sell Suarez if Arsenal come up with a good offer. However, Arsenal could face competition from many other European clubs and the proce might escalate beyond the reach of the Gunners.

In that scenario, Wenger could target some other good strikers like Edin Dzeko and Karim Benzema who could cost them around £25 million.


Eden Hazard: £15 million for Andrei Arshavin: £17 million

The Russian Captain was signed by Arsenal for around £14 million in January 2009 and he has produced some sensational performances for the club. He is one of the more inconsistent players in the squad but has the ability to create opportunities out of nothing. If he is on form, then he could be one of the most devastating players in the world. However, he has been out of form for most parts of this season and with his contract expiring next year, Arsenal should cash in on the Russian if he decides not to renew his contract.

Hazard is one of the best young players in the world and has been tracked by a number of clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid. The tricky winger could be one of the best in the world in a few years and could be a great addition to the Gunners. He has given a hint that he would prefer to join Arsenal over the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea because of the opportunities given to young players at the Emirates. With the departure of Arshavin, Theo Walcott and Eden Hazard could compete for one of the flanks while Samir Nasri takes his position on the other flank. The Belgian could also be influenced by the presence of Belgium captain Thomas Vermaelen at Arsenal and could receive good guidance from the defender.


Per Mertesacker: £10 million for Sebastien Squillaci: £7 million

Sebastien Squillaci was signed by Arsene Wenger in August for around £5 million to bolster his defensive options as well as provide experience to his side. Squillaci had previously had successful spells at Monaco and Sevilla but had not played for a top European side till he signed for Arsenal at the age of 30. Wenger initially signed him to be the third choice centre back behind Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen but the Belgian defender’s injury has meant Squillaci has been integral to Arsenal this season. However at the age of 30, he is not the answer for their defensive problems and his lack of pace has been exposed on a number of occasions this season.

Per Mertesacker currently plays for Werder Bremen but is said to be considering his future. The tall defender is only 25 but is vastly experienced having represented Germany on 73 occasions. He could help deal with set-pieces of the opposition much better and also offers a goal-scoring threat from the same.


Manuel Almunia: £1 million

Manuel Almunia has been given plenty of opportunities at Arsenal since the departure of Jens Lehmann but has proven to be too inconsistent. It does seem like Wenger’s patience has run out with the goalkeeper and Lukasz Fabianski has been impressive this season. Also, youngster Wojciech Szczesny is touted to be a world class keeper and it does seem like Almunia has no future at the club. Wenger will mostly decide that his goalkeeping options are good enough and will most probably not sign an experienced goalkeeper like Mark Schwarzer.


Denilson: £12 million

Denilson has made over a 100 appearances for the Gunners since signing for Arsenal at the age of 18. However, he has not been able to establish himself as a regular in the side and has often been benched this season to accommodate the young Jack Wilshere or Abou Diaby when the French International has been fit. With the return of the immensely talented Aaron Ramsey, he could find himself further down the pecking order. Many clubs including the likes of Wolfsburg and FC Barcelona have been linked with the Brazilian midfielder and despite the insistence of Denilson and Wenger that he would stay, the midfielder could move in January or the summer in order to get more first team opportunities.
Arsenal will have no need to replace him considering that Aaron Ramsey is almost back to full fitness while youngster Emmanuel Frimpong will return to fitness before the next season for sure. Frimpong is likely to be the deputy to Alex Song and his understanding with Jack Wilshere could help them establish a good chemistry in midfield.


Financial Analysis

Arsene Wenger said that he would respect his budget and these transfers would help enhance the quality of the team without spending much.


Transfers- Out:
1. Nicklas Bendtner: £12 million

2. Andrei Arshavin: £17 million

3. Sebastien Squillaci: £7 million

4. Manuel Almunia: £1 million

5. Denilson: £12 million

Total received from Transfers: £49 million

Transfers- In:

1. Luis Suarez: £25 million

2. Eden Hazard: £15 million

3. Per Mertesacker: £10 million

Total spent on Transfers: £50 million

This article does contain an approximate estimate of the worth of the transfers (which could differ) but this analysis means that Arsenal can enhance the quality of the squad without spending too much in the transfer market. It is possible to bring in these players before the start of the 2011-12 season without compromising on their policy of not spending much.

Arsenal’s Transfer Prospects: 5 Defenders Who Could Be the Answer to the Gunner’s Problems

Arsene Wenger’s side faces Chelsea this weekend in a top of the table clash, which promises to be an exciting encounter. Arsenal have been inconsistent this season and have lost as many as three times at the Emirates which could prove pivotal in the context of the title race. However, they must ensure that they beat the Blues on Sunday at the Emirates to keep the heat on table toppers Manchester United.

The Gunners have formidable options when it comes to attack which includes the likes of Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie. However, their defense has let them down on many occasions this season with the two new signings Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci prone to making crucial errors at the back.

With the January transfer window approaching, Wenger might try to sign a good defender who could provide the stability at the back and form a commanding partnership with Thomas Vermaelen in the future. Here are five defenders who Wenger could target in January.

1.Per Mertesacker

The German International is one of the most important players at Werder Bremen and possesses the quality to excel at a top European club like Arsenal. There are reports that he might not extend the contract which would mean he would be available for a price within Arsene Wenger’s budget.

The tall German possesses good aerial ability and could improve Arsenal’s defending at set-pieces and has the experience to organise the defence. He is only 25 and provides a very good option for Arsene Wenger. Having represented Germany on 73 occasions, he would be great addition for the Gunners with the only drawback being the fact that he is ineligible to participate in Arsenal’s Champions League campaign.

2. Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill has been an integral part of the Bolton team for the last few seasons and has impressed for the Trotters. He is one of the major factors why Bolton are comfortably placed in the top half of the table. Bolton Manager Owen Coyle made it clear that he would let the England International leave if the right offer is made by a big club.

He has good aerial ability and also would not need any time to adjust to the Premiership. Cahill is also technically good and can bring out the ball from the back if needed. He was linked with a move to the Emirates in the summer but stayed with the Trotters. If a good offer is made by the Frenchman, Cahill could be in an Arsenal kit in January.

3. Jan Vertonghen

The Ajax defender is a key component of the Dutch team and has been tracked by a number of clubs in the recent past. At only 23 years of age, he could be an ideal signing for Wenger who is known for recruiting some of the best young talents in the world.

He possesses good aerial ability and his versatility to play as a Left Back or a Defensive Midfielder could be an important factor considering Arsenal is likely to be affected by injuries over the course of the season. He has good understanding with Thomas Vermaelen with whom he has played for Ajax and Belgium and could foster a formidable partnership in the future. He represents Ajax in the Champions League and so will be ineligible to represent any other club in the European Competition this season.

4. Brede Hangeland

Arsene Wenger has been linked with the tall Fulham defender over the last couple of seasons and could look to Brede Hangeland to solve their present defensive worries. The Norway International is very experienced and has been successful for Fulham in the Premier League.

He possesses very good aerial ability and is a goal scoring threat from set-piece situations. He has good physical strength and reads the game quite well. He is not very fast but his good positioning and understanding of the game makes up for that. Hangeland is not young at 29 but could provide the experience to Arsenal’s back line and be the first choice Centre Back until Laurent Koscielny establishes himself as the first choice defender for the Gunners.

5. Mamadou Sakho

It should not be a surprise if Wenger does sign another Frenchman for the Gunners and Mamadou Sakho would certainly be an excellent signing for the Gunners. He is only 20 but has already made over 100 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain. He is touted to be one of the best defenders in the future and has already been called up for the France national team having captained all youth International teams.

Sakho has good aerial ability and his physical strength could ensure that he is not muscled out by strong strikers like Didier Drogba. He has a bright career ahead of him and could be interested in a move to the Emirates where he would have fellow Frenchmen including the likes of Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Abou Diaby and Bacary Sagna who could help him settle down easily at Arsenal.