Cazorla Sale To Atletico – Possible Replacements by AvdL
Arsenal have not been great in getting good value for the players they have sold recently. Now that Santi Cazorla is in great form he is attracting all sorts of interest. One of the clubs that is after him is Atletico Madrid according to Guillem Balague. Some reports state that his contract runs out in 2016 and other seem to think it runs out in 2017. This summer could be the right time to maximise his value by selling him as he is 30 years old.
The return of Ozil has seen the CAM position recently taken by him and pushed Cazorla to the B2B role on defensive midfield. This was the first time that both Ozil and Cazorla were excelling in the FA cup game against Middlesbrough. However in the B2B role we have Wilshere, Ramsey , Rosicky and also Oxlade-Chamberlain. For the CAM we have Ozil, Wilshere, Rosicky and academy talents like Zelalem & Crowley.
So a sale of Cazorla to Atletico Madrid could be a catalyst for summer transfer targets. Some of them we know and some of them are new.
• Julian Draxler – Wenger has been a long term fan of Draxler who plays CAM and LW at Schalke 04. We tried to get him in the winter transfer period of 2013/2014 season but ultimately we failed. He is young and regarded as one of the biggest talents in Germany. Julian has been injured most of this season, which is a worry.
• Dennis Praet – We all remember how good Dennis Praet was in the 2 games we played against Anderlecht in the Champions league. This was not a one off, he has been the Golden boot winner in Belgium this year. He is 20 and is a CAM with great close ball control and can deliver splitting passes. A young alternative to Cazorla and affordable.
• Georgino Wijnaldum – Not much in the news in the UK , but this CAM who plays for PSV Eindhoven is having a great season with PSV totally controlling the Eredivisie. He has a total of 13 goals and 2 assists this season. Him and Depay have a great partnership.
• Nabel Fekir – This CAM who plays for Lyon has declared his love for Arsenal. He works extremely will with France’s current top scorer Alexandre Lacazette. If we get both we can continue this strong partnership. Fekir has 10 goals and 6 assists this season.
• Isco – If there is someone that can out do Cazorla on ball trickery it has to be Real Madrid’s Isco. With Isco not getting enough playing time due to Ronaldo and James he could be for sale. However the prices quoted have been ridiculous. I read somewhere € 65 Million. Isco has made 5 goals and 7 assists this season.
• Sterling – One of the biggest talents in the UK at Liverpool. He is holding out on his contract. If Liverpool do not qualify for the Champions League he could be a player that will leave. I am not so sure if Liverpool will sell him to Arsenal though. Sterling has 6 goals and 6 assits so far this season.
These are all CAM positions and they would have to compete with Ozil. The sale of Cazorla could also be the catalyst for the B2B side of the CDM role however I do think this role is covered well enough, although I would love to see Pogba here.
Your opinions please….
Arthur