Officially the transfer market is yet to open but the Arsenal rumours never fail to flood the papers. Reportedly, the arrival of Petr Cech is done and dusted and is waiting to be announced. Not taking anything away from the last minute surprises, let us safely assume that Cech will be a Gunner this summer. There a plethora of rumours that link players left, right and center, but there are as many stories that also talk about outgoings.
The biggest question mark is on the future of Jack Wilshere. The injury-prone midfielder is reportedly the target of Manchester City. The cash rich club from Manchester is looking to increase their home grown quota. Wilshere fits the bill and so the interest.
Wilshere is currently one of the club’s lower earners at £50,000 per week. Arsene Wenger will surely be fixing his attentions on handing Wilshere a new contract. The 26 year old is still an integral part of the squad and Wenger believes that there is still to come from the English midfielder. The arrivals of Mesut Ozil, Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez may have pressurized Wilshere but by no means is he near an exit.
Talking of other outgoings – we have many players who will be dispensable this summer. Lukas Podolski, Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky, David Ospina, Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo are looking likely to the candidates to be shipped out.
The impending arrival of Petr Cech would mean the end of Ospina at the club. Podolski has returned from his loan deal at Inter but looks to be out of the club permanently. Reports already link him of inking a deal with Galatasaray though these are unconfirmed yet. However, the German is sure to leave the club.
Same is the case with Flamini. The search for a defensive midfielder is taking Wenger to different continents. There are reports linking with William Carvalho, Morgan Schneiderlin, Arturo Vidal and many others. But, at the same time, it may mean an exit for Flamini.
A quality striker is another on the priority list for Wenger. Searching for a proven option will be complemented by hearing offers for Campbell and Sanogo. The French club Lille is interested in a loan offer for the French youngster Sanogo. The Costa Rican forward Campbell could join Benfica on loan or on a permanent basis.
Wenger knows very well that culling his squad is as important as signing new ones. This summer could mean an interesting squad overhaul.
Sridhar