SIX players to follow Alexis Sanchez and Mathieu Debuchy to Arsenal
When the Luis Suarez deal to Barcelona is confirmed, there should be little doubt left about Alexis Sanchez’s availability to Arsenal, with the club reportedly ready to pay £25 million for the Chilean international.
Liverpool understandably wanted Alexis as part of the deal that would send Suarez to Catalonia, but the player is said to favour a move to north London with Arsenal. The 25-year-old would very much be considered Arsene Wenger’s marquee forward signing of the summer.
In addition, the club are looking to tie up a deal for Newcastle’s Mathieu Debuchy as Bacary Sagna’s replacement at right-back.
The former Lille full-back has performed well since moving to the Premier League and has been France’s first choice at this World Cup.
Following Alexis and Debuchy’s signings at the Emirates, here are six players who could follow them to north London.
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Loic Remy
It always looked to be either Carlos Vela or Loic Remy, and now with Arsenal having wiped their hands with the Mexican, Remy looks to be at the head of the list to join Arsenal later this summer.
The French international was heavily linked with a move to north London prior to the World Cup, and while talk hasn’t been as feverish as it once was, there haven’t been too many denials from the club or player, if any.
Remy, reportedly available for just under £10 million, would be a fine addition for Arsenal, though only if he is supported by another forward like Alexis Sanchez. In tandem, Remy and Alexis would considerably boost Arsenal’s chances at landing the Premier League title in the near future.
Sami Khedira
If Toni Kroos ends up at Real Madrid this summer, Sami Khedira will almost certainly be considered surplus to requirements. The German international has one year remaining on his current contract with the Spanish side and was previously said to be available for around £16 million.
Khedira’s all-action style makes him an interesting target for Arsenal, who need someone to help protect the back four. Khedira has generally excelled playing alongside Xabi Alonso at the Bernabeu, while his lengthy injury layoff last season hasn’t altered opinion of the German – he’s still considered hugely important by national team coach Joachim Low.
Khedira may not be the out-and-out defensive midfielder that Arsenal need, but he’d nevertheless be a big help to the team. And for a fee that could very well be less than £20 million, it’s something the club should seriously consider this summer.
Morgan Schneiderlin
Morgan Schneiderlin is one of a small handful of defensive midfielders Arsenal are looking at, and possibly the easiest to land this summer.
If reports are to be believed, Southampton are holding out for a fee of £20 million. For a 24-year-old full international who knows the Premier League well, Schneiderlin would easily justify that sum.
He’s been deemed the missing piece of the puzzle at Arsenal, who have suffered from a lack of defensive quality in midfield with heavy losses away to title rivals last season. Schneiderlin may not be enough to prevent defeats on his own, but he should put a stop to such damaging scorelines.
Victor Valdes
The future looks extremely uncertain for Victor Valdes. The former Barcelona goalkeeper looked to be on his way to Monaco this summer after running down his contract at the Camp Nou, but the injury he suffered towards the end of last season has seen the Ligue 1 giants rescind their offer for the Spanish international.
Valdes certainly won’t be fit for the start of next season, such is the severity of his knee injury. But despite what some may think of him – that he had an easy ride as goalkeeper of one of the game’s most dominant teams – he’s a world-class ‘keeper that would immeasurably improve any side.
Arsenal may not want to disrupt the further development of Wojciech Szczesny, but the Polish international will benefit greatly from Valdes’ presence.
The Spanish international would come at a large price wage-wise, but he’d be a very good investment, and certain to be an incredible asset both on and off the pitch.
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Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann has been in and out of the French side at the World Cup, often rotating with Olivier Giroud for a place on the left of the team’s attack. But Griezmann, following on from another good season with Real Sociedad, has played well whenever given time on the pitch in Brazil.
What has struck many is the forward’s ability in the air, despite being of stature that wouldn’t suggest he’d be comfortable with aerial duels. His scoring record in Spain last season, 16 goals, would make him a fine addition to the Arsenal team next term. He’s very much the natural winger the club are in need of.
Arturo Vidal
Arturo Vidal has emerged as recent surprise target for Arsenal, with the club likely wanting to use the potential Alexis Sanchez deal to entice Vidal to north London.
It’s easy to see why the club would want to move for the Juventus midfielder: he’s one of Europe’s absolute best and can occupy a number of roles. The question is whether he and Aaron Ramsey are too similar? Both defensively very good and vital to their teams’ attacks.
It’s not to say Vidal wouldn’t be a sensational signing for Arsenal and a real signal of intent, but perhaps someone who is a specialist at defensive midfielder foremost would be a better target.