Arsenal will look to bolster their squad after watching their early season title challenge fall away leaving them in a battle for fourth place towards the end of the season. The Gunners ended their trophy drought lifting the FA Cup with Arsene Wenger signing a new contract at the club.
Arsenal’s fortunes may have been different if star man Aaron Ramsey had stayed fit throughout the entire season but Arsenal are seriously lacking in the striking department. With Olivier Giroud the only recognised striker at the club, Wenger will be looking to address his goal-scoring problems.
Arsenal have reportedly targeted Cardiff’s David Marshall whilst former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes remains another option as well as Liverpool’s Pepe Reina. Ultimately, the Gunners will aim to improve their striking options.
LOIC REMY – QUEENS PARK RANGERS – FRANCE
Loic Remy has been targeted as the striker to solve their problems. Remy spent last season on loan back in the Premier League following QPR’s relegation and netted 14 goals during his spell with Newcastle.
Despite QPR’s promotion back to the Premier League, Remy is eager to play for a club in the Champions League. Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham are willing to meet the £9m buyout clause in Remy’s contract with Harry Redknapp’s club but the striker is holding out for the possibility to sign for Arsenal.
Tottenham remain confident of securing a deal for Remy but the 27 year old would prefer a move to the Emirates due to the lure of playing in Europe’s elite competition. Wenger will be hoping Remy can have the same impact at the club as former French strikers Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry.
Although Remy is the not the biggest of names in world football, he has Premier League experience, goal-scoring instinct and could be a very viable option leading the Arsenal attack.
MARIO BALOTELLI – AC MILAN – ITALY
Wenger also wants AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli to bolster his attacking options ahead of next season’s campaign. According to reports, Balotelli has been targeted as a potential strike partner to Remy.
It has been reported Balotelli has become a frustrated figure in Italy with his boyhood team struggling as well as issues regarding racial abuse in the country. The 23 year old is reportedly eager to move back to the Premier League and would welcome a move to the Emirates.
Wenger believes he can tame the former Manchester City striker and mould the Italian into a world-class striker. Tottenham and Liverpool have reportedly shown interest but Arsenal are ready to make Balotelli their number one target.
If the Gunners can secure the signing of the powerful forward, the prospect of a Balotelli-Remy partnership with Giroud thrown into the mix, Arsenal have a strong forward line.
NIGEL DE JONG – AC MILAN – NETHERLANDS
Nigel De Jong has also been targeted to add bite to Arsenal’s creative midfield. The former Manchester City star has hinted he would return to the Premier League should close friend Clarence Seedorf lose his job at Milan. With Filippo Inzaghi taking over the reins at Milan, De Jong could opt for a move back to England.
Arsenal and QPR have entered the race for the 29 year old who will add some steel to Arsenal’s midfield. The signing of De Jong would allow creative stars such as Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil to ability to operate in a free role in the centre of the park.
De Jong has Premier League experience and won the title with City under Roberto Mancini adding a quality defensive skillset to the side. De Jong could be a vital signing for Wenger as he looks to challenge for the title once again.
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Source: DSG
