Barcelona Want Arsenal Defensive Target

There has been some extraordinary football played last weekend, and now I have a bit of transfer news that can be considered just as sensational.

Arsenal, who scoured the globe for a suitable central defender during the summer, showed real interest in Bolton's 25 year-old defender, Gary Cahill. The asking price of £17 million was considered too high by Arsene Wenger, and Arsenal purchased Per Mertesacker instead in a last minute rush to find reinforcements across the squad.

Now, what seems to be Arsenal's loss may prove to be Barcelona's gain, as they are said to be raising their interest in the former Aston Villa, Burnley and Sheffield United lad, apparently preparing a £10 million move for Cahill.

Out of contract next summer, Cahill is likely to move on with considerable interest from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea, but surely the European Champions will blow the English sides out of the water. The opportunity to play in such a fantastic team with countless world beaters in the squad is a stunning opportunity, not to mention a very, very rare one indeed.

The England international would provide cover in the Barcelona defence, and with Carles Puyol ageing at an impressive 33 as well as more prone to injuries, Cahill would be capable of stepping in and being that physical presence needed at the back, pairing up with the former Manchester United defender, Gerard Pique.

Cahill has said in the passed he wants to play European football, but surely even he couldn't have expected to be playing it at Camp Nou rather than the Emirates.

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Wenger: We Need One More Striker & Cahill Latest

As Arsene Wenger fights off criticism for a £6 million bid for Bolton's Gary Cahill described as "derisory," which he vehemently denies, other transfer matters further up the field also hold an importance to the Arsenal manager.

While many fans are calling for midfield reinforcements to counter the absence of the departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, Wenger has turned his attentions to replacing a man who hasn't left yet, Nicklas Bendtner. The Danish international will be on his way out of Arsenal, and Wenger said in his Friday press conference that he needs replacing:

“We look for one more striker because we know he [Bendtner] will leave and we will be short.”

Wenger has said he will be working hard during the last few days of the transfer window, and has made attempts to recruit players in midfield, with a 30 million euro bid for Eden Hazard being rejected by his French club Lille.

On Gary Cahill, a player who has interested Wenger and Arsenal a lot over the past few transfer windows, the manager was quite angry about how his offer had been portrayed in reports, with some saying it was as low as £6-7 million. Wenger strongly denies such a low offer being made by himself, but did not want to comment on the true amount he had offered Bolton for the English international defender. He said:

"First of all I would like to say the number is wrong. It's completely wrong and nothing to do with how much we rate the player. I believe negotiations are between two parties and you only have to sell the player if you are alright with the price." 

"In this case the information is below what has been spoken about. You can believe Gartside or you can believe me. It's not right. It's not the truth. If Gartside can say I am lying I am ready to confront him."  

"If Gartside can say I am lying I am ready to confront him. The truth is that we never speak about our negotiations."

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Wenger: I will Certainly Buy a New Defender

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal will be back in the market after the purchase of striker Gervinho to strengthen the defence.

While Arsenal have had a £10 million bid for Everton's Phil Jagielka turned down, they have been linked to other Premier League defenders including Blackburn's Chris Samba and Bolton's Gary Cahill. The Arsenal manager has now claimed he will work "very hard" to bring in a new defender to add to his ranks. Wenger said:

"Certainly, we will have to find one more defender. We [are] working on it."

"I can promise we work very hard on it. In fairness, everybody looks for players. Everybody looks for the same area and you see that nobody turns up with magic. It’s all about being steady, working very hard on it and being calm as well."

"I don’t want to comment individually because I do not want to destabilise clubs. I do not want to do to other clubs what some clubs do to us so I wouldn’t like to comment individually on any player."

It is a "promise" which will relieve many Arsenal fans who may have feared the manager would once again turn his back on signing a player that many fans have been calling for in the defensive positions. However, he did not specify what position he would be buying the defender for.

Arsenal may need a left sided defender as back up to Gibbs, now that Gael Clichy has left, or perhaps Wenger will simply go for a strong, solid, experienced central defender to partner the returning Thomas Vermaelen, who himself is looking forward to a new start to the season. The Belgian defender said:

"Everybody starts from zero and everybody has to start again. You get a new chance and that's always a good feeling when people give you another chance to win something.

"The past is behind us and it's good to look into the future. That's what we do now - we start all over again with a new chance and we will go for it this year." 

If Arsenal are to win a trophy like Vermaelen and all of the fans want, Wenger's mysterious defensive target will certainly play a big role in delivering it. A lot relies on this signing, and Wenger better hope he gets it right.

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Chelsea Want Nasri & Cahill - Madrid Want Fabregas

Manchester United and Manchester City are the two clubs known to be interested in Arsenal's Samir Nasri, and with other foreign clubs preparing to make a move for the Frenchman, Nasri is very much in demand. Now, reports are stating that Chelsea will make a move for the Arsenal midfielder if their bid for Luka Modric does not materialize into a deal.

Arsenal are still trying to persuade Nasri to sign a new contract, but as the days go by, it looks more and more likely that the 24 year-old is looking for a move away. He has plenty of options, and if he does decide to move on from Arsenal, he will have a tough decision to make as to what reasons he should make that move. Whilst he has said in the past that he wants to win trophies, which now suggests that a move to United or Chelsea more likely, Manchester City are said to be prepared to offer much larger wages.

Nasri is said to want £110,000 per week in wages, with Arsenal offering £90,000 and all of the prospective clubs that the Arsenal midfielder could join are willing to match Nasri's demands. It seems Arsenal have come to accept that hey wont be able to  match the huge weekly payments that their rival clubs like United, City and Chelsea can afford.

Chelsea are also trying to outbid Arsenal for the Bolton defender Gary Cahill according to some reports. Yes, the new Chelsea manager, Andres Villas-Boas is said to be monitoring the situation with the seemingly inevitable departure of Cahill, as he looks to find a long term replacement for John Terry at the centre of defence. Arsenal have targeted Cahill along with Chris Samba, with the former proving to be the more expensive option at £17 million. City, the club interested in every player that your club is interested in, also want the 25 year-old. With Chelsea and City's budgets, you would have to put them down as favourites ahead of Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are prepared to rival a Barcelona bid for Cesc Fabregas, rating the Arsenal captain at £45 million - an amount Barcelona cannot pay due to their debts. It would be highly unlikely however, that Fabregas would even think about a move to Real Madrid because of his childhood connection with Barcelona. That is all he really wants - to join Barcelona. Apparently Madrid see Fabregas as a long term replacement to Xabi Alonso.

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Wenger Blamed - Nasri Talks Ongoing

Arsenal are beginning to show signs of life in the transfer window this summer, with imminent transfers said to be in place; Lille's Gervinho, and the Argentine midfielder Ricky Alvarez said to be close, as well as moves for defenders such as Chris Samba and Gary Cahill expected from Wenger.

However, it wasn't like this in the past few transfer windows for Arsenal, and many have been highly critical as a result. The latest critic of Wenger's transfer policy is Perry Groves, the former Arsenal midfielder, who signed for the London club back in 1986. He told TalkSport:

“The frustrating thing is [the Premier League] was Arsenal’s to win last year."

“But because they didn’t have the dominant centre-half which they could have gone and got in January that’s why [they didn’t win the league] and that’s why Arsene’s policy over two or three years has been proven wrong."

“There has been two phases when Arsene Wenger has been in charge. On the pitch from 1996-2004 that is how you structure a football team. Off the pitch from 2005-2011 is how you structure a football club, going from Highbury to the Emirates."

“Arsenal fans, the real die-hard ones, want trophies and that is the real be all and end all of how you’re judged as a football club manager.”

A trophy is exactly what Arsenal need next season to appease the frustrated fans, who may soon be approaching seven or eight years without any silverware, with the last piece coming in 2005 when the FA Cup was won. However, to have a chance to win a trophy, Arsenal will need to keep hold of their best players, and that includes Samir Nasri, who has been flirting with the idea of leaving Arsenal recently.

Talks are ongoing between the players representatives and the club, with the latest negotiations looking more positive than before. Nasri is still holding out for an increase in his wages, and a better deal than the £80,000 a week being offered in a five year-deal, but he is also waiting to see how Wenger acts in the transfer market.

Clubs are circling over Nasri, watching intently the progression of negotiations, preparing to pounce at any time, and with some of he biggest clubs around Europe said to be interested, including Arsenal's Premier League rivals, Manchester United. Nasri is ambitious, and wants to win trophies, so he needs the guarantee from Arsenal that, with new players purchases, the club will be real challengers for trophies.

Everyone involved would rather this saga was resolved sooner rather than later, as it is one of those transfers that could run seemingly endlessly throughout the window.

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It's Chris Samba or Gary Cahill for Arsenal - Or Is It?

It is the general consensus at Arsenal that the team needs a strong, forceful centre back to add to the spine of the team and help them to some much needed trophies. It is also the general feeling among the gossip columns that Arsene Wenger will choose between either Blackburn's Chris Samba, or Bolton's Gary Cahill to fill that gap in his squad. But which one will it be? In truth, both seem increasingly unlikely for various reasons, so lets evaluate why.

Lets start with Chris Samba. At 27 years-old and a good 5 years with Blackburn, Samba has plenty of experience that the Arsenal team is often said to be lacking in. He stands at a towering 6 foot 4 inches, and is a force to be reckoned with defending set pieces, with his large frame able to reach above the attacking opponents to clear the danger. He would slot nicely into the defence alongside the combative Thomas Vermaelen, who was missed terribly last season for Arsenal.

Samba revealed last season that he was close to joining Arsenal in the January transfer market, which shows that Arsenal are clearly interested in the player, which is good news, as it shows Wenger's intent to add experience and power to his defence. However, Arsenal's £10 million bid was not enough to persuade Blackburn part with their captain, but it is thought that £12 million would be the price in which Blackburn would be willing to let Samba go.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, recent transfer events have transpired against them. In fact, it may be arch rivals Manchester United's fault that Arsenal miss out on Samba - not because United are themselves interested in Samba, but because Sir Alex Ferguson has recently stolen Samba's young defensive partner Phil Jones away from Ewood Park. Would Blackburn be willing to let both halves of their defensive backbone leave the club in one transfer window?

That doesn't seem likely unless Arsenal tie up a deal for Samba quickly, as that way, Blackburn will have both the time in the market and the money from the sales of the pair to find some replacements and back-up. Last season Samba and Jones were vital players in the sides survival, and so losing them both would not help the club one bit - the club surely understand this, and however swiftly a deal for Samba could be done would still be very reluctant in letting him go.

Next, and to Gary Cahill. He, like Samba is a strong, fearless defender, and having played in the Premier League since 2004, has the experience needed at Arsenal. At 25 years-old, he has more of a long term future than Samba, and has more time for improvement, though some may argue potential is not what Arsenal need at the moment.

The gossip columns have been all over this story, with Cahill said to be wanted by Manchester City as well as Arsenal, and will cost at least £17 million to match the players release clause in his Bolton contract.

Should I stop there? Wenger probably would want to after hearing £17 million. That amount would be the immediate detractor for Arsenal, whilst being absolutely no obstacle for City. The Daily Mail have come up with a clever little solution of sorts for Wenger, as they claim that Arsenal may offer their young 19 year-old Spanish centre back Ignasi Miquel on loan to Bolton as well as cash to persuade them to part with Cahill.

Of course, a player plus cash deal seems attractive for Bolton, but with Miquel's inexperience in the Premier League, it seems a big risk for them and a young experiment for Arsenal to see how their youth player does at the Reebok. Bolton are no stranger to Arsenal's loans, with a very useful one in Jack Wilshere occurring just two season ago in which the 19 year-old came of age and subsequently broke into the Arsenal first team, but this one may be less attractive.

If it is money Bolton are looking for, then City would win a bidding war with Arsenal immediately. So, if Wenger does make one of these players his priority for the summer, then it looks more likely to be Chris Samba, due simply because he is the cheaper option and it would avoid a huge bidding war with big spender Manchester City. Contrary to some reports then, it will be either Samba or Cahill rather than Samba and Cahill who may join recent £1 million signing Carl Jenkinson at Arsenal.

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Nasri: Spend In Transfer Market or I Leave

Frustation and anxiety is mounting over the future of Samir Nasri at Arsenal, and following the French midfielders comments about his future and the potential interest from Manchester United recently, the signs are hardly encouraging for the London club. Wenger's main aims surely include the imperative that Arsenal's best must stay at the club, but there is still no sign of Nasri signing an extension to his current contract which has only 12 months remaining.

The Guardian newspaper has now claimed that Nasri is stalling the signing of the offered £90,000 a week contract not only because he wants to be paid more per week - apparently holding out for £110,000 - but he also wants Wenger to confirm the idea of Arsenal having an "active summer". Nasri wants the reassurance that quality players will be brought in to help the current Arsenal side to success and trophies as well as a season in which the team has enough depth to last the whole campaign rather than wither out towards the end.

The rumours surrounding Arsenal and their transfer acivity in the upcoming market are rife, with links to Lille's Ivorian forward Gervinho very strong as well as an apparent interest in West Brom's Nigerian international striker, peter Odemwingie. The former deal looks more likely to go through, with Arsenal the favourites to land Gervinho, but one signing will probably not be enough to convince an ambitious Nasri to stay with the club.

He has been encouraged by his compatriot and Manchester United left back Patrice Evra to join him at United already, and his comments about waiting to see if the Manchester United interest is real or not clearly show a lack of full commitment to Arsenal. It also suggests a wavering mind, a mind which is searching for new opportunities, and the fact that he refused to rule out a move to Old Trafford is surely concerning.

Wenger has promised his fans an "active summer", but what Wenger's definition of "active" is and what Arsenal supporters definition is, most probably varies. Arsenal need a new centre back, and Wenger recognises this too, with Gary Cahill prominently linked, as well as PSG's Mamadou Sakhou, who looks a very promising talent. The issue that remains with Wenger is money.

Both player will cost in excess of  £15 million, and those who know Arsenal and Arsene Wenger know, that for Wenger to spend that amount on one player is a very rare occasion. His persistence to keep out of debt and keep the club stable is admirable, and stubborn, yet it may yet prove his downfall, for now Wenger has more reasons to spend money. He firstly has to improve his squad, whilst appeasing the current players such as Fabregas and Nasri, as well as the frustrated fans.

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"Active Arsenal" - Aguero on the Move - CL Countdown

Arsenal will be having a "very active" summer transfer market according to the manager Arsene Wenger. The window hasn't even opened yet, but apparently Arsenal have already signed Ricardo Alvarez in a pre-contract agreement from the Argentinian club Vélez Sársfield.

Add that to countless other rumours circulating, linking Arsenal to players such as Bolton's Gary Cahill, Blackburns Chris Samba and PSG's Mamadou Sakho, and you see a pattern developing. Defenders are the priority, and Wenger, although cauious with how much he spends, said:

"The market will be hyperactive because everyone believes financial fair play will happen soon," Wenger said, referring to Uefa's tighter regulations on club spending. "So we are quickly doing the last buying before the stores will be closed. And for the first time for a while, I will be very active, too."

Arsenal may well be saying goodbye to Nicklas Bendtner, whose father, Thomas, confirmed his son wants to leave the club: "Nicklas has made his decision and told Arsenal: he wants to leave the club." Arsenal are quoting the figure of £8.7 million for anyone interested in his services, with Bayern Munich said to be interested in the confident 23 year-old striker.

A player whom Arsenal would no doubt love to have leading their line is Diego Maradona's son-in-law, Sergio Aguero of Athletico Madrid. He is of Athletico for now, as he recently confirmed like Bendtner that he will be looking for a new club in the summer. I suspect he would cost too much for Arsenal anyway, but the 22 year-old is not short of admirers.

Liverpool, City and Chelsea have all been linked to him - and they are only from the Premier League. Real Madrid are apparently early favourites for the Argentinians signature. He is a fine finisher, scoring 20 League goals this season for Athletico, while assisting 2. Aguero said:

"I said long ago that when I wanted to go, I would say so publicly. And the time has come."

"So I keep to my word and here I am. I find it hard to leave Atletico. It hurts and saddens me. I've thought long and hard and I am convinced that I must be true to myself."

"I do not think I put a ceiling on the ability to keep learning, to keep growing. After five intense years, this stage for me personally is over and I have to give way to a new one."

"I'm about to turn 23 and I have everything before me. Suffice it to say that this is not an economic issue but strictly a sporting one. So I want to clearly express my appreciation to the club for the efforts they have made for giving me a salary that equates with the largest clubs in the world."

Meanwhile, the biggest game of the year is fast approaching, as Manchester United and Barcelona prepare for their Champions League final at Wembley. In light of recent off-field events however, regarding Ryan Giggs, Sir Alex Ferguson was said to be "beside himself with anger" at the alleged revelations.

Some said that Giggs feared for his place in the Champions League starting line up for United, but the Daily Mail have just reported that Giggs will in fact start the massive game. United could win their fourth Champions League trophy - Sir Alex's third, and these sorts of distraction are most unwelcome.

Hopefully, Giggs will continue to do what he has done for his long, fruitful career, and be fully professional throughout, to set an example as always to his fellow players. United will have a supremely tough test on Saturday, and they need all the togetherness and quality they can muster.

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Arsenal Move for Cahill Likely

The end of the Premier League season has come, and the next thing to look forward to is the summer, and the summer transfer window. Some love it, some hate it, but this year, Arsenal will be in it - according to their manager, and this time, a certain Gary Cahill may be on his way to Arsenal.

Arsenal finished the season in fourth place. A Champions League place is not guaranteed, as they were pipped at the last by a determined Manchester City, but a look at the statistics show why Arsenal lay miserably in fourth place. Wenger's side conceded 43 goals this season in the League - the most conceded than anyone else in the top four. While they scored the second most, behind only the Champions in the goals for category, that defence remains an issue, and one which Wenger will be keen to address.

After the draw against Fulham on Sunday, Wenger said:

"First you have to find the right players and then turn up with the money - but if we find the right players we will spend the money."

So Arsenal will be in the market - there is the confirmation. Meanwhile, over in Bolton, and the manager Owen Coyle, when questioned as to whether it will be a battle to keep Gary Cahill at the Reebok in the summer said:

“It’s not a task as such because if somebody comes in and its good business for the football club then it’s something we have to look at.”

“Wherever I’ve been I’ve never worried about that because if somebody comes in and it’s the right fee or its good business. Ultimately you have to be fair with the player as well." 

“What I do know if that is the case then we have to make sure that we’ve got targets lined up that can come in, replace whoever it is and look to take the club on and improve it.” 

So there, confirmation that if a bid was to come in for the player, Coyle would not step in the way of a move. He respects his players' ambition for better things, especially when they have the quality like Cahill. The only thing left now is the player - would he want to move clubs? He said this back in April:

"It's a bit weird in a way. Normally when there is transfer speculation, the manager comes out and says, 'They can forget it - he's going nowhere'."

"But the thing about our manager is he's not only ambitious for himself and his club, he's ambitious for his players. He wants them to have the same drive and desire to get to the top. He expects us all to want to better ourselves."

"So when all the speculation started last summer, he called me in for a chat. He checked first of all that it hadn't turned my head, then he came out with this statement about outgrowing the club one day."

"He just said, 'Gaz, if you were happy just to tick along at your age there would be something wrong. You've got it in you to play at Champions League  level and I honestly believe it's going to happen for you'."

"It was lovely to hear that, really flattering, and what he said has made it easier for me to contemplate moving on and taking another step forward in my career. If there is an opportunity to do something big you want to take it.”

So there you go - Arsenal need someone like him, he needs a club like them, it seems the perfect match, and considering what Wenger recently said about English players, he may be hinting at a move for the English centre back:

"I like English players. They are good, but I have said the inflation for them is always very high."

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Wenger Has £40 Million - Who Will He Buy?

Arsene Wenger has been given £40 million by Arsenal, and been told that he can do absolutely anything he wishes with it. Well, as long as that 'anything' is in regards to any players he wishes to purchase in the transfer market - a market which has been scarcely used by the Arsenal manager in large quantities for a while. A market which Sir Alex Ferguson, Wengers rival, claims there is "no value" - a claim well supported by Chelsea, who proved exactly that by splashing £10 million more than what Wenger has to spend on a striker who has so far made no impact on their title chase, scoring zero goals.

So with that in mind, who will Wenger bring to Arsenal, who he believes will add something different, somehing better to the squad. A squad which many commentators, critics and pundits suggests needs adding to, in the form of real stability - a defensive midfielder perhaps, or a good few central defenders to sure up that shaky defence, and maybe even an injury free, reliably prolific striker who will convert the chances that Marouane Chamakh, Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie cannot.

It's all very easy to list what Arsenal need, but what's harder is to tell Wenger what Arsenal need, and then convert those thoughts into actions. The general consensus is that Arsenal must spend - explicitly suggested in the Arsenal board giving him £40 million to do what he likes with. But with Wenger stubbornly set in his ways of spending little and relying on youth, there will be a lot of thinking involved in finding the right players for the right values at Arsenal. With £40 million ready to spend, the gossip columns will have no shortage of players to link to Arsenal either, so here's a few already being tipped for a move.

Lets start with that defensive midfielder. Gokhan Inler is the man rumoured to be on Arsenal's wanted list, and at a rumoured bargain of £8 million, it seems too good to be true for Wenger. He was followed by Roy Hodgson when he managed Liverpool, and was tipped to be Javier Mascherano's replacement, but of course a deal never materialised and he remains playing at Udinese. Arsenal are apparently watching him closely, and it always helps when a player comes out with: "My future has absolutely not been decided". The player has a good work rate and aggressive style of play - an enforcer in the middle - something Arsenal desperately need.


Next up is those defenders who have been linked to Arsenal. Bolton's Gary Cahill has been mentioned more than several times, and his admission that he wants to be more like Jack Wilshere, playing against the big teams in the Champions League have not done any harm to a possible transfer to the Emirates. Wenger is a vocal admirer of Cahill who is starting to make a name for himself in the English national side, but his sudden rise to prominence has done something awful to put Wenger off. His asking price has risen drastically. Valued at over £20 million, surely this is out of Wenger's price range. Unfortunately I cannot imagine Wenger spending this much on a defender.


A defender far, far, far within Wenger's price range is Phillipe Mexes. In fact he's so cheap, he's free. His contract at Roma expires in June, making him a free-agent, however, Wenger will still need to use some of that £40 million to persuade the Frenchman to Arsenal. Mexes would come with a heft wage packet, and with Chelsea also rumoured to be on his trail, Arsenal must be ready (if they want him) to offer him those wages.

Other rumours are less prominent. They are so because they are rumours about attacking players, and Arsenal have no lack of those at the club, but perhaps if investment is not used, those class acts such as Nasri, Fabregas, van Persie and Walcott will turn their heads to new clubs - though that is unlikely considering their apparent loyalty to the cause. Attacking rumours include another Frenchman, Yann M'Vila and Sporting Lisbon forward Yannick Djalo. 


There is then of course, Arsenal admirer, and Wenger admirer, Eden Hazard. A very bright prospect, and real attacking flare, he has already stated that, "If one day I leave Lille, I will go to Real or Arsenal." The Belgian play maker is the "next big thing", and with Arsenal now having the money, surely Wenger wouldn't pass up the opportunity to have a player who really wants to play for his team and "dreamed of joining as a child."


Arsenal's goalkeeping situation is covered by Szczesny now, and I think most Arsenal fans, and Wenger accept him as their new number 1 goalkeeper, while Wenger doesn't look likely to delve into his pockets for a new one. Especially when he can just call Jens Lehmann back for free, or if he's not available, David Seaman.

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Arsenal In £50 Million Summer Spending Spree

Plagued with injuries throughout the season to the extent that a new/old goalkeeper had to be brought in for back up, as well as being tormented with off form players slipping up a crucial times in massive matches, and Arsene Wenger is understandably frustrated. He must be wondering what he has done wrong to deserve the punishment of seeing his loyal but exhausted players suffer in this way. It isn't all bad when you consider Arsenal's position in the table - three points behind the leaders with a game in hand - but this season could have been about so much more than just the Premier League crown.

It is perhaps no wonder then, that Arsenal are being linked to two big money players to boost the squad this summer - give it some well needed depth, diversity and energy. These two players are Bolton's Gary Cahill and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema. I honestly cannot see it myself. It isn't that the two players wouldn't fit into the squad; Cahill, a strong, reliable, often goal scoring centre back would be welcomed in the beleaguered defence, while Benzema will have no shortage of fellow countrymen to communicate with (not to mention being a top class front man).  The rumours really get unbelievable when the price is quoted.

Cahill and Benzema are being valued at £25 million by the news sources. That's £25 million each. Probably around £40 million more than Wenger would dream of spending. His cautious, low profile approach to the transfer market has caused plenty of frustration among even patient supporters, as they await their first trophy for six years. It may yet come this year, but it will undoubtedly be very close, and with all of the teams around them certain to improve their squads in the summer, Arsenal do not want to be left behind at the start of next season in a year which looks to be even more competitive and tight than even this year has been so far.

Manchester United are apparently Arsenal's competition for the 25 year-old Cahill. United have seen a Vidic - Smalling partnership blossom in the absence of the seemingly always injured Rio Ferdinand, and if Ferdinand ever does receive further injures which is highly likely, United will need a top quality replacement. There have also been unsettling murmurings of Vidic's future as a United player as his wife apparently doesn't like it in Manchester. The Wes Brown - Chris Smalling defensive partnership has been poor so far, and Sir Alex will look for a new defender to banish any defensive worries in the future.


A bidding war is something neither side would want however, with Arsenal's reluctance to spend, and United's crushing debts reducing the possibility of big money signings.
The website states;

"The Trotters [Bolton] are bracing themselves for bids in the summer, and both Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to come to the table at some point with an offer for the England international.

Chelsea are also thought to be keen on landing the player, with the west London outfit also interested in the 25-year-old former Aston Villa defender.

Arsenal are still thought to be favourites though, although the Gunners will have to fight hard to see off Manchester United if these claims are to be believed."

Meanwhile, Wenger is supposedly a "big fan" of Benzema who was bought by Madrid from Lyon for £35 million two seasons ago. It is easy to see why, as Benzema has masses of exactly what Wenger is always looking for, craving for, searching for: "potential".

17 goals in 52 appearances this season isn't to impressive, but his previous form is far more impressive, with one season amassing 20 goals in just 36 appearances. A partnership of van Persie and Benzema would also be a vast improvement to what they have at the moment, and would add he depth up front which has been lacking.

Sir Alex Ferguson had tried to bring Benzema to United before he joined Madrid, but I doubt he would be after him again after being turned down already.

Arsenal Transfer Targets: Sakho, Samba, Cahill & Hazard?

It is the general consensus that Arsenal need to improve in defence. A number of players in this area have come under scrutiny throughout the past few seasons with the defensive issues the main topic of discussion for pundits in relation to Arsenal's wavering title credentials. It is no surprise therefore, that Arsenal are being linked to defenders to strengthen their back line, either in January or beyond.

Possible Arsenal Transfer Targets include:

Mamadou Sakho
20 year old 6 ft 2 in PSG defender who can play both in centre back and left back position. He is known for his leadership credentials, tireless engine, hard-working attitude, and his tackling ability. He has also been praised for his "physical and tactical qualities".

Gary Cahill
25 year-old Bolton Wanderers centre back. He is known to be a strong, reliable defender who is also impressive going forward.

Chris Samba
26 year old 6ft 4 inch no nonsense powerhouse centre back is very important to Blackburn Rovers but has expressed his desire to leave following the dismissal of manager Sam Allardyce.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hardly made his January transfer policy very clear over the past few weeks, but his latest statement is

 "If we find the players who can give something more to the team, we will do it."

He is known to not particularly like buying players in January, as players are valued, in his opinion too highly as clubs are desperate to hold on to their stars for the remainder of the season, however, this latest quote suggests that there may be one or two players he is interested in bringing to the club, especially in the defensive role.

A player who isn't likely to join in January, but most probably in the summer is attacking midfielder and the "next big thing", Eden Hazard. The Belgian play maker currently plays for French club Lille, but is full of praise for Arsenal, as we can see from quotes like these:

"If one day I leave Lille, I will go to Real or Arsenal.''

"Real Madrid and Arsenal are the clubs I dreamed of joining as a child."

and if two wasn't enough:

"Real and Arsenal are really great and play at a very high technical level"

*Hint hint.*
His attacking talents are quite brilliant for his young age of 19, and you can watch highlights of his short career so far in the video below.

Arsenal and Chelsea to Battle for English Defender

John Terry's injury has left Chelsea short on defenders, and therefore shaky at the back - the two consecutive losses to Sunderland and Birmingham emphasised their problems, and they will be looking to the January transfer market to bring in a replacement defender.

Arsenal do not have as bad a problem as Chelsea in terms of defenders; they can fill their back line without too many problems. However, losing a game in which you were two goals ahead doesn't exactly inspire confidence in fans critically observing the Arsenal defenders.

The solution? Gary Cahill of Bolton. The 24 year old has recently been called up to England duty, and has played an important role in the current success of his team. The chairman of Bolton has of course noted this, done some calculations and come up with a figure of around £15 million. That figure is what any possible suitors for the Bolton defender will have to pay, and Phil Gartside the chairman will have to accept due to crippling debt. He said:

“If a Champions League team knocks on our door in January that’s the best time to sell an asset because Champions League teams will pay the money”.

"Owners should be allowed to invest in equity. So if you, as an owner, want to buy a striker for £10m that shouldn't be a problem. But what you then can't do is pay him extortionate wages that take you out of the break-even situation. We are carrying too many on the wage bill."

With debts reportedly close to £100 million, it is imperative for Bolton to rake substantial amounts back into the club, and with Arsenal and Chelsea waiting in the wings, the trotters will be forced to sell. Gary Cahill himself may also be looking for a way out to a bigger club where he can challenge for trophies, and as an up and coming England star, a bigger club is a bigger stage to show off his talents.

Arsene Wenger doesn't want to live through the nightmare of the 2 - 3 home defeat to Tottenham, and Ancelotti will not want to get used to losing to mid table clubs, so it seems that Bolton's admission that their top players will have to be sold opens the door to any offers from the two clubs fighting for the title.