Arsenal Transfer News January 2013
It is not unusual for Arsenal to be linked with numerous big name signings (and other lesser known players which are perhaps more likely to come off) as we approach the January transfer window. However, this year Arsenal is perhaps more in need of fresh blood than ever before and the fact that Wenger has confirmed that there will be a pot of money to spend and even eluded to the fact that two players will be signed suggests that Arsenal will definitely be carrying out at least some activity in the 2013 January transfer window. Wenger recently said to the French press:
“This winter we will work very hard because we have some funds available. It could happen that we buy two players, but I cannot reveal the names.”
The fact that Wenger is confident enough to mention “two players” should be seen as a positive thing for Arsenal fans as he is usually extremely coy with his dealings. However, Wenger as ever has been insistent that Arsenal will always look for “quality, quality and quality” and “if the price is right” which is perhaps a reminder to Arsenal fans that they will not be paying over the odds for players and will again not be competing with Europe’s biggest spenders for £30-40m signings. However, the intention is clearly there and there is already talk of several names being linked closesly with Arsenal this January.
Thierry Henry to Arsenal
Thierry Henry returned to Arsenal on loan during the 2011/2012 season and it is looking increasingly likely that will happen again this year. Henry was in attendance for the North London Derby as Arsenal beat Tottenham and his love for the club is no secret. Further evidence exists in the forms of words spoken by Wenger:
“With Thierry, a loan is still a possibility, but we will still try to strengthen for the long term.”
When you look at the facts: Chamakh cannot make the bench, whilst Podolski is being used mainly in wide areas. With Theo Walcott wants to play there but with him stalling on contract negotiations, that leaves Olivier Giroud as Arsenal’s only recognised striker. Clearly this is an area that Arsenal need to strengthen in.
Klaas Jan Huntelaar to Arsenal
On the subject of strikers, Klaas Jan Huntelaar has been in great form for Schalke and even scored against Arsenal in the latest CL encounter between the two teams. He is out of contract in the summer and it has been suggested that he would be available for as little as £6m. There have been plenty of clubs interested, including Liverpool but the lure of Champions League football is said to be a deal breaker and with Arsenal already qualified for the last 16, that could be a big bonus for the Gunners.
Klaas Jan Huntelaar to Arsenal
Kevin Strootman to Arsenal
On the subject of Dutch, Kevin Strootman is believed to be Arsenal’s main target to bloster their midfield. A lack of options and recurring injuries to Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky has left Arsenal over reliant on players such as Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta who have been asked to play 90 minutes of almost every single game. At age 22, Strootman is one of Holland’s finest young talents and Arsene Wenger wants to trun him into a word class player just as he did when he took a young winger named Robin Van Persie almost 9 years ago.
Kevin Strootman to Arsenal
Wilfired Zaha to Arsenal
Recently Wenger has talked about how Arsenal will always look for home grown talent first if it exists. Arsenal have built a squad that consists of several young homegrown players inclduing Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlaide-Chambelain, Aaron Ramsey, Karl Jenkinson and Keiron Gibbs. In press conference this week Wenger has made it clear that quality must be there as well and it is believed that Wenger feels that Zaha is the next young English player who could make it big at Arsenal. Zaha is also a life long Arsenal which may be a deal breaker if Zaha is deciding between contracts from other big EPL teams. It has been reported today that Arsenal have entered contact negotiations with the young winger. If the deal is made, it would be a great coup but many Arsenal fans are worried that it may be at the expense of Theo Walcott.
could Wilfried Zaha be on his way to Arsenal?
