Arsene Wenger is finally ready to splash some cash after 10 years of being constrained by the £380m construction bill for the Emirates.
The Frenchman is starting to feel the heat after five trophyless seasons in North London and has identified bringing in defensive reinforcements as his highest priority this summer. The Gunners conceded too many goals last season and replacements are needed urgently for William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre who are all expected to leave at the end of the month.
Wenger has plenty of financial muscle to flex with a reported transfer kitty of £30m and more to come if Cesc Fabregas makes his big-money move to Spain. The Gunners made a £45.5m profit last year putting them in a stronger position than their rivals to garner some of Europe’s best talent in their quest to land silverware next season.
False rumours are rife but here are two players almost certainly set for a move to Arsenal this summer.
Phil Jagielka – Everton
The Toffees’ centre half was harshly overlooked by Fabio Capello for his World Cup squad but has nonetheless looked impressive in an England shirt. At 27, he has a good mix of youth and experience and possesses proven pedigree in the top flight.
David Moyes will fight to keep Jagielka at Goodison Park but the defender will want to push his club to sell in order to progress his career. A fee in the region of £15m is understood to be what’s needed in order to prise him away from the North West.
Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax)
The 22-year-old has had an excellent season in the Eredivisie with Ajax who only narrowly missed out on the title.
The Dutch international has been tracked by Wenger for at least a year now and is desperate to make the move to a more high profile league than in his native Holland. He has also stated a desire to link up with his good friend and compatriot Robin Van Persie at the Emirates this summer.
The attacking right back comes with a £10m price tag although this could increase substantially if he can help propel Holland to the latter stages of the World Cup in South Africa.
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Oh..that’s that, then
Fair enough Arsene, thank you for doing business with little, humble Everton
I’ll just use the £15 million to get my next 2 bargains, if that’s OK with you and the lazy internet hacks?”
The defender wants to push the club to sell to progress his career?!! Oh my god!! Who are your sources because unless it’s yourself then you need to have a word because they make you look a right mug!!
Jagielka? Is he really that good?
He and upson have been vastly overrated this season since being linked with arsenal. Both are tough defenders who are decent at international level, but certainly nothing special.
Jagielka ‘almost certainly’ moving to Arsenal?
What a load of absolute nonsense.
greg,
Play the ball not the man. Or you don’t get to play, my old son.
Well lets see?, Is Jagelka French or French speaking..No, Is he a free transfer, No. Is he in excess of £2.50 + v.a.t, Yes..Sorry but it’s not happening then is it?
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“Almost certainly” ha ha hahaha nonsense.
Can’t see Jagielka “pushing” for a move. Sorry. No.
First off if Wenger is interested in Jagielka the first thing that would happen is he would contact the club and ask if he was for sale.My assumption is he would but only for a price that presents a big profit.It is incredibly disrespectful to assume it is a done deal because it is little old Everton.Arsenal and Arsene would have a far greater level of respect than a certain club has for us.For example Fulham said no and we walked away.Second VDW is only on the radar if Sagna leaves, he has publicly stated he has no interest in leaving so it is a non starter.Nine times out of ten the very person publicly talked about as coming is not even on a short list.
Good luck to EFC and maybe you could treat them with more respect?
goab,
Everton get plenty of time from both Jon and myself, to mention but both of us. I take your point. It’s a pity some fans have to look down their noses at others. Oh hang on, I’ve just remembered my own views on West Ham. Every man for himself! Men, women and Escapini to the lifeboats!
Well said goab. I think both wenger and arsenal have a bit more about them than city do and go about things the right way and can take no for an answer