Tonight:
8°c
Five players Arsene Wenger should buy
07.05.09
After another trophyless season, Arsene Wenger may have to splash the cash in the summer if Arsenal are to compete with Europes's top clubs. Here the Evening Standard looks at five potential targets.
Xabi Alonso(Age 27) Liverpool: Central midfielder
Estimated cost: £20m
Arsenal's top target last summer, Alonso was desperate to leave Anfield but Arsene Wenger baulked at the £17million asking price. Although the Spaniard has since become one of Liverpool's top performers this season, Rafael Benitez hinted he would sell Alonso in the summer but his price is likely to have increased to £20m. However, he would be an instant hit at Arsenal with close friend Cesc Fabregas.
Gokhan Inler (24) Udinese: Central midfielder
Estimated cost: £8m
Wenger is a known admirer of Inler and was thought to be close to sealing a deal for the 24-year-old before he chose to sign a new contract with Italian club Udinese earlier this season. The midfielder attracted plenty of interest thanks to his performances for Switzerland during Euro 2008 and would provide much-needed steel to the Gunners midfield. Could cost around £8m.
Roque Santa Cruz (27) Blackburn: Striker
Estimated cost: £12m
Thought to have an £18m buy-out clause in his contract, Santa Cruz is understood to be regarded as Emmanuel Adebayor's natural replacement should Wenger decide to cash in on the Togo forward. Has all the attributes to fit into Arsenal's system, plus is better in the air than Adebayor and has proven worth in the Premier League and in Europe with former club Bayern Munich.
Matthew Upson (30) West Ham: Central defender
Estimated cost: £8m
Arsenal scouted their former player back in January and, with West Ham's financial future uncertain, they could pick him up on the cheap. A mature and composed defender, Upson has forced his way into the England set-up in recent times and would provide a valuable strength in depth at the back that Arsenal have lacked this season. The Hammers could be tempted with a bid in the region of £8m.
Stephane M'Bia (22) Rennes: Central midfielder
Estimated cost: £8m
A Cameroon international who fits the Patrick Vieira mould — is tough and combative with a great engine. Still young enough to fit in with Wenger's policy of signing youth and expressed a desire to move to Emirates Stadium when Arsenal scouted him in January. Would be a cheaper alternative than Alonso as he could be available for around £8m and would not command prohibitive wages.
Reader views (7)
4 players! Hangeland, Cahill, Alonso, Kranjcar. Both Walcott & Arshavin can play up front along with RVP, EDuardo, Bendtner & Vela...so we do not need a striker!!! Defensive minded players is all we are missing, Hangeland/Toure, with Cahill/Djourou backing up and as longterm replacements. Kranjcar would release Arshavin to play behind the striker. £50mill i reckon, so if we sell Gallas, Senderos, Traore, Bischoff & Adeybaor plus add £20mill of our own money we will have plenty!
- Newmy, Milton keynes
I somewhat agree with the suggested players, however I would add a goal keeper into the mix. Don't get me wrong, Alumina has been much much better this season but I do believe there was too many "goal keeping" mistakes made which caused us a few games. Other players i would consider is Robert Huth, very strong defender, Carlos Tevez (30M) and this other person will the the most important of all...Ian Wright or Dennis Bergkamp as an Assistant Manager. I believe Wenger is running out of ideas and having a fresh football mind like these two would be absoultely vital.
- Marc, Montego Bay, Jamaica
I'm amazed that the Pool would consider selling Alonso. He is a superb player. To sell him to one of the rivals for 2nd or 3rd place is mad. The Pool are in the financial mess they are in because of the greed of those who sold out to the Yanks instead of the Arabs. Pool should have already won the Premiership. Selling their best players (e.g. Alonso) and buying third raters (eg. G. Barry of Aston Villa (ahem)) won't help the Pool. Rafa, be a man and don't sell.
- Seán, Dublin, Ireland
'Super Gunner' from Bury:
I think you'll find that Lescot,Yaya Toure,Cruz & Huntalaar will cost a little more than £60m my friend. Yaya has been one of Barca's best players this season - he ain't going anywhere for less than utterly absurd money.
- John, London
from my youth to my youth i love arsenal and i will ever love them all. still we need to off laod so boys who are not doing fine i knew them all. please let's wake up and stand up for next opporiunties.
God bless our fans.
from
Darlington David
- Darlington David, nigerian based in guangzhou china.
wenger is very lucky that WE the Arsenal fans are patient but its running out and quicky believe it or not I wrote to teletext at the start ot the season stating wenger has lost the plot and we wont win anything. In my opinion in Lescot,Yaya Toure,Santa Cruz,Huntalaar money spent £60million,out Adebayor,Bendtner,Denilson,Diaby,Silvestre,money in £45 million estimated.with minus 15 Million better team lot of experience
- Super Gunner, Bury England
Disagreed.
What Arsenal need is a deputy coach who has the knowledge of how to defence!!
- Kk Young, London
