The Arsenal fans are a likeable bunch here in the Transfer Tavern and can often be found enjoying a round of tequilas on a Friday and Saturday evening.
They are hopeful that boss Arsene Wenger can secure the Premier League title this season, to hand them the domestic prize for the first time in 11 years.
Talk has already turned towards next season and with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all likely to be much stronger, the Gunners faithful are hopeful that they do not get left behind.
One piece of news in today’s Express indicates that Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is on the club’s radar which has pleased some of the Arsenal contingency here in the Tavern, who do rate his midfield qualities.
Our writer Lee Clarke takes a look at FIVE players who could follow Carrick in arriving at the Emirates Stadium this summer…….
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
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Antoine Griezmann
The Atletico Madrid forward seems destined to leave the Spanish club during the summer and his availability would no doubt alert several Premier League suitors.
Since arriving at Madrid he has netted 34 goals in 58 appearances, producing some fine individual performances along the way.
Versatile enough to play anywhere in a front three or out wide Griezmann would be a superb acquisition for Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium.
Having somewhat conquered La Liga, the next challenge for the Frenchman could well be the Premier League in England.
Gonzalo Higuain
The Napoli striker has been a long-term target for Arsenal, certainly if you believe what you read in the paper anyway, and a summer move might be a possibility.
His goalscoring exploits in Serie A are remarkable with the Argentinean bagging 59 goals in 93 appearances since arriving in 2013.
Add to that a resounding 107 goals in the white of Real Madrid and you have one of Europe’s most feared marksmen.
Arsenal are desperate for a striker and with Manchester City and Chelsea likely to be chasing the world’s best talent in the summer, Arsene Wenger should pull out all the stops to secure the Argentinean.
Odion Ighalo
With Wenger seemingly reluctant to go out and throw massive money at a stellar signing, this Watford forward is likely to be a much more realistic option for the Gunners.
The Hornets have conceded this week that they may choose to cash in on the Nigerian and that may well alert Arsenal to his availability.
Ighalo has netted 15 goals in his maiden Premier League campaign and his action packed displays have seen him draw many suitors.
With Watford resigned to losing the player, this signing seems a logical option for the Gunners to pursue.
Jack Butland
I remain unconvinced that Stoke City can keep hold of this future England number one for too long and I fully expect Mark Hughes to field some calls in the summer.
With David Ospina mediocre to say the least, it could be wise for Arsene Wenger to bring in Butland in the summer so that he can learn from Petr Cech during the last few years of his career, and act as an understudy to the Czech.
Butland has been in fantastic form for the Potters this season contributed to their run to the semi-final of the Capital One Cup, where they lost out to Liverpool.
Destined for big things and Arsenal could tie down the stopper ahead of his best years and steal a march on their rivals.
Riyad Mahrez
Leicester City’s Algerian winger was signed by the Foxes, and is now one of the most sought-after talents in the entire Premier League thanks to his performances during this season.
Whether Leicester go on to win the division this season could really be irrelevant for Mahrez, with him likely to favour a move to a top European club, should they come calling.
The 24-year-old is still in the relatively early stages of his career and he would fit in with Arsene Wenger’s culture of buying younger players and making them into finished articles.
Still somewhat raw is Mahrez but his talent that he has displayed during this season has been spectacular making it increasingly unlikely he will still be at the King Power Stadium next season.
