With the January Transfer window looming – certain rumours have been thrown around since the beginning of the 12/13 season. Here I will take a look at the top 5 potential 'comings and goings' of the 'top 6' that will affect The Barclays Premier League.
With only £58,000,000 spent in The British Transfer Market last January – it is fair to say that compared to the summer window, top flight managers are much more reluctant to spend. That said – with such success stories like Papiss Cisse and Nikica Jelavic people may wonder why managers do not spend? Of course, the likes of big spenders Manchester City and Chelsea are in the latter stages of assembling their squads to challenge domestically and on the continent.
In this article – I will look at transfer rumours surrounding teams in The Barclays Premier League. The potential comings and goings and reasons behind the move.
Arsenal: Coming In
Adrian Lopez Alvarez
Spanish paper AS revealed that Arsenal could be tabling a big for Atletico Madrid hitman Adrian Lopez Alvarez, who had a great season in the Europa League last season with 11 goals in 19 games. But with the striker being less than impressive in La Liga with only 7 goals in 37 Arsenal are reportedly only willing to offer €12 million when Madrid club are looking for a fee of around €18 million.
Brede Hangeland
Arsenal were put on alert when reports came out of Fulham that Brede Hangeland was “nowhere near” signing a new contract at Craven Cottage. The 31-year-old Norwegian has become an integral part of Fulham's back line since joining from FC Copenhagen in 2008 but with his contract running out this summer Arsenal will be keeping a close proceedings.
Isco
Isco, branded 'the new Cesc Fabregas' is a reported target for The Gunners. The 20-year-old midfielder played a key role in Malaga's Champions League push last season but with the Spanish outfits spending catching up with them they may be forced into selling the promising youngster and with Arsene Wenger a reported admirer of his talents Arsenal may be the perfect destination for Isco, joining up alongside Santi Cazorla who already made the move to The Emirates in the summer transfer window.
Igor Denisov
The captain of the national Russian team, Igor Denisov has reportedly fallen out with the Zenit St Petersburg hierarchy. He was demoted into the clubs youth team after allegedly criticising the clubs wage structure and according to reports a number of English clubs including Arsenal are 'exploring the situation' with a view of making a bid in the New Year.
Aleksandar Dragovic
Arsenal are in the race to sign highly-rated Austrian defender Aleksandar Dragovic. The 21-year-old centre back would cost around ₤5.5 million from FC Basel. Arsene Wenger is keeping tabs on the youngster, as he looks to add strength and depth to his defense.
Arsenal: Going Out
Theo Walcott
Contract rebel Theo Walcott has yet to sign a new deal at Arsenal and could still be sold in the January transfer window. The Gunners wont want to risk letting Walcott go for free if he runs down his contract which ends next summer, and with Liverpool and Manchester City reportedly interested in his services Arsene Wenger may look to cut his losses and sell the England international.
Andrey Arshavin
After spending last season on loan at Zenit St Petersburg Andrey Arshavin's future looks less than certain at Arsenal. The Russian has often been criticised by Arsenal fans for not giving 100% in matches. Galatasary reportedly made a ₤4 million offer for the forward but with The Gunners looking for around ₤7 million no one is sure what is in store for the little Russian.
Bacary Sagna
Sagna's place was once cemented in the Arsenal starting XI after consistent performances in a sometimes shaky defence, but since his injury and the emergence of Carl Jenkinson he could find himself on his way out of the Emirates. Sagna was publicly warned by Wenger that if he was not happy at Arsenal then he should go elsewhere after criticising Wenger's transfer policy. With Inter Milan reportedly showing interest, looking to fill the void of Maicon after his departure this summer.
Marouane Chamakh
Chamakh joined Arsenal in May 2010 on a free after completing his contract at Bordeaux. He started the season well scoring goals and creating chances but the pace of the Premier League took it's toll on the Morocco international and has since not regained that form. Malaga were reportedly interested in signing the forward as part of a 'feeder link' agreement after Santi Cazorla completed his move from Andalusia to North London in the summer.
Nicklas Bendtner
The Denmark international has long been linked with a move away from Arsenal and has reiterated that desire himself by saying 'I do not think about the money. I just want to be happy. I want to leave Arsenal.'. The 24-year-old also spent last season on loan at Sunderland, which would suggest that Arsene Wenger doesn't have the striker in his long term plans.
Source: DSG
