--- title: "5 potential summer arrivals at Arsenal to follow James Rodriguez if he joins" canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/5-potential-summer-arrivals-at-arsenal-to-follow-james-rodriguez-if-he-joins/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" author: "Barnaby Lane" section: "Arsenal Football Club" published: "2016-05-13T19:05:21Z" modified: "2016-05-13T19:05:21Z" --- # 5 potential summer arrivals at Arsenal to follow James Rodriguez if he joins **It’s the same old story at Arsenal.** A first half of the season flourish followed by second half mediocrity, has once more left the Gunner’s battling for top four football after looking so promising early on. Arsene Wenger’s men had their fans’ believing a little longer than most campaigns this time round however, as it was only back in February, Arsenal beat now Champion’s Leicester 2-1 at the Emirates, in what many were predicting to be a title decider. Instead of catching the wind beneath their sails and carrying that momentum forward, the Gunner’s have won only 4 Premier League games since, were knocked out the Champions League and forfeited their FA Cup title in what was a weak performance against Watford. The acquisition of mega stars Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez had promised so much for the Arsenal faithful, yet while the pair have certainly improved the side, Arsenal still lack a cutting edge and a touch of quality that could push them on past their inevitable mid-season dip. Fans have been crying out for Wenger to make more signings like those of the former Real Madrid and Barcelona players calibre, especially a world class striker, something the Frenchman’s side have oh so lacked since the departure of Theirry Henry. Wenger can no longer ignore the cries at the Emirates, and former Monaco boss must spend this summer. Infact, Wenger’s job relies on it, as after almost two decades at the helm of the North London side supporter’s are becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of success and refusal to spend. Seeing names such as James Rodriguez – the young Colombia and Real Madrid midfielder – [being linked with a summer switch to the Emirates is certainly encouraging,](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2639776-arsenal-transfer-news-latest-on-james-rodriguez-and-ngolo-kante-rumours) but there has to be more. Arsenal fan’s at the Tavern have given us their summer wish-list of superstars, who could potentially follow James Rodriguez and propel the Gunners to title glory next season…….\ \[ffc-gallery\] ## PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 PLAYERS WHO COULD FOLLOW RODRIGUEZ TO ARSENAL! ![james rodriguezjames rodriguez](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/james-rodriguezjames-rodriguez.jpg)\ \[/ffc-gallery\] ## Edinson Cavani ![Cavani](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/4589970.jpg) The PSG forward has been chronically linked with a move to England, especially Arsenal, ever since his Napoli days where he set the Italy and Europe alight, scoring 78 goals in 104 appearances for the *Partenopei*. An almost equally impressive scoring record at the Parisian club – mostly from a wide area too – means Cavani is one of the most sought after striker’s in Europe. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to leave the Ligue 1 Champion’s this summer however, PSG would have be highly persuaded to let go of their other star forward. ## N’Golo Kante ![Kante](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/4791297.jpg) Viera. Gilberto. Petit. Arsenal’s midfield has lacked the drive and bite it once had that allows the more creative players to flourish in recent years. Many have branded the Gunners midfield too nice, and they may be right. While Francis Coquelin has impressed, Arsene Wenger still lacks a legitimate world class holding midfielder, however the Premier League’s new Claude Makelele, Leicester’s N’Golo Kante, could certainly solve this problem. The highly-rated Frenchman has been phenomenal during The Foxes’ historic title winning season, and has a what seems an unlimited supply of energy in the middle of the park. ## Alvaro Morata ![Alvaro Morata](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Alvaro-Morata.jpg) Despite Real Madrid having the option to buy back Spaniard Morata from Italian club Juventus, a move to the Premier League seems a more likely option. While Real Madrid have all the fire power under the sun, Arsenal a distinctly lacking in that area, and may turn to the former Atletico youth star to solve their problems. Although his goalscoring record for the Old Lady is not terrific – with only 26 in 91 appearances – Morata hinted at his striking prowess during last season’s Champion’s League where he made the competitions Team of the Season, bagging 5 goals in the process. ## Henrikh Mkhitaryan ![Henrikh Mkhitaryanml](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Henrikh-Mkhitaryanml.jpg) Bringing some firepower and creativity to the Emirates front line is definitely number one on this summer’s agenda. And that is just what they would get if they were to sign the 27- year-old Borussia Dortmund forward. The Armenian – who has been his country’s Player of the Year for the past five year’s running – has 18 goals and 20 assists to his name this season, and has helped Dortmund secure a second place finish in the Bundesliga as well as reach a mouthwatering DFB-Pokal final set for May 21st against Bayern Munich. ## Mario Gotze ![gotzegotze](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/gotzegotze.jpg) Another former Dortmund prodigy, Mario Gotze had been heavily linked to follow his old manager Jurgen Klopp to Liverpool, having been allegedly [told by incoming Bayern manager](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/515025/Arsenal-Liverpool-transfer-news-Mario-Gotze-Bayern-Munich-16m) Carlo Ancelotti to ‘find a new club’ this summer. However, recent report’s suggest Arsene Wenger is interested in signing the young German playmaker who has struggled for playing time at Bundesliga Champion’s this season, in what is an outrageously competitive squad. Gotze – who scored the winning goal in the World Cup Final for Germany in 2014 – remains an exciting talent and could be a steal with his contract up at the end of the campaign.