The next Cesc Fabregas Boffins draw up a shopping list for Arsenal boss Wenger
24 Jun 2009 - 16:50:50
If the intriguing whispers are true, Arsene Wenger could soon be looking for a replacement for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.
The Spain midfielder persistently speaks glowingly of his former club Barcelona and now says he's open to one day playing for AC Milan.
Sportsmail chief sports writer Martin Samuel wrote in great detail about the whispers coming out of the Emirates and now Championship Manager scouts have scoured the globe to come up with a short list of potential replacements.
Steven Defour
Nationality: Belgian
Age: 21
Club: Standard Liege
Value: £12 million
Steven Defour is the captain of his club and under contract there until 2013. He was named the most valuable player in Belgium in 2007. Defour helped Standard Liege to the league title for the first time in 25 years.
Defour (right) is an established international with 20 caps for Belgium. He played well for Liege in Europe during season 2008-09, which alerted clubs from the Premier League, including Arsenal and Everton.
At £12million he would be a bargain for Arsenal and a more than capable replacement for Fabregas.
Chance of signing for Arsenal: 8/10
Diego Buonanotte
Nationality: Argentine
Age: 21
Club: River Plate
Value: £6million
Buonanotte is renowned for his technique especially his dribbling ability. He does lack a good physical presence though - he is only 5ft 2in.
Because of this he may be more suited to playing in the Spanish league ahead of the Premier League but he is an option for Arsenal.
Chance of signing for Arsenal: 6/10 Young Gunners? Diego Buonanotte (left) and Fran Merida
Fran Merida
Nationality: Spanish
Age: 19
Club: Arsenal
Value: £5million
Fran Merida can play in central midfield, or on the left hand side. The Spanish teenager is one of Arsene Wenger's stars of the future. The replacement for Fabregas could already be on Arsenal's books.
Chance of signing for Arsenal: N/A
Hernanes
Nationality: Brazilian
Age: 24
Club: Sao Paulo
Value: £15million
Hernanes is a class player. One of the best midfield players in Brazil at the moment, he can play anywhere in midfield.
His good form has alerted a number of clubs in Europe. If Sao Paulo were to make Hernanes available for transfer, Arsenal would face competition from the likes of Barcelona who reportedly tried to sign him last year.
Chance of signing for Arsenal: 6/10
Jesus Fernandez Saez
Nationality: Spanish
Age: 16
Club: Cadiz
Value: £3million
'Suso' is a left sided midfielder who has tremendous potential. Unfortunately for Wenger, Liverpool have beaten them to it by agreeing a five-year deal with the Reds. The small matter of compensation is all that has to be agreed.
Most of the big clubs in Spain wanted to sign him as well, including Barcelona. As he is only 16 it is likely he'll go on loan to gain experience and although he's described as 'the next Fabregas' in Spain it is unlikely he would join Arsenal on a short-term deal.
Chance of signing for Arsenal: 3/10
