Arsenal were once again the hot topic on a dull day in the transfer market. The manager, Arsene Wenger has indicated that the captain of the club, Cesc Fabregas was unsettled because of his injury and the increasingly frustrating talks between his club and the club that he wants to return, FC Barcelona. Wenger has asked for the situation to be resolved, one way or the other, as soon as possible.
The cub’s chairman, Peter Hill-Wood, has asked the Catalan club to meet Arsenal’s asking price, reported to be £35 million.
He said that the situation has dragged along for more than a year and a half and Arsenal would cancel all negotiations if Barcelona do not make the proper bid. Barcelona, reportedly, have already had two offers, for £27 million and £31 million, turned down by the London club. However, by the look of things the deal looks set to be wrapped up by next week.
Fabregas has not taken part in any of his club’s pre season games so far.
Arsenal are looking in Spain for a man to replace Fabregas. Juan Mata looks to be the likely target and will cost them around £10 million.
However, he will not be like for like replacement for Fabregas. Mata plays on the left side for both Valencia and Spain but is also capable of playing behind the striker. Samir Nasri is most likely to be asked to finish the remainder of his contract and that will mean that he will play through the middle and Mata will be on the left hand side. Gervinho, the new signing from Lille likes to come in through the right and is most likely to play on that flank.
Arsenal are also looking for a central defender. The targets are Phil Jagielka of Everton, Gary Cahill of Bolton and Chris Samba of Blackburn.
Wenger had announced earlier that he was looking for strong and commanding presence in central defense and he was looking for a player with Premiership experience. He made a bid for Jagielka that was for £12, which was turned down by the Merseyside club. He is likely to go with a better offer, closer to £18 million, which is Everton’s asking price for the player.
If that doesn’t work out, Samba will be a great addition. He has indicated his desire to play Champions League football and is a great asset in the box.