As the season draws ever closer to its climax teams are beginning to plan ahead for next season. Arsene Wenger has stated his intention to strengthen his Arsenal squad early on in the transfer window, to avoid a repeat of the clubs frantic January deadline day earlier this year. With Podolski already set to join Arsenal this summer the future does look promising, as long as we can keep hold of the likes of Van Persie. It has been widely reported of late that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants to complete at least one more deal before the start of Euro 2012. This avoids the club having to wait until after the European Championships to complete transfers for players who are competing in this competition. Whilst, this also enables the club to save financial resources and further competition from other clubs impressed with the performances of a particular player. If a player impresses for their country at the Euro’s then their price tag will automatically increase, therefore it is essential that Arsenal do indeed move swiftly in the transfer market to dodge paying over the odds prices!
So Who Is Arsene Wenger Expected To Sign Before The Start Of Euro 2012?
Well, as Arsenal have already signed Podolski it is expected that Arsene Wenger will now turn his attention to signing a midfielder.
Moreover, Lucas Biglia is said to be a strong Arsenal midfield target, with previous reports declaring Wenger was keen on bidding for the Argentine in January. Yet, a January move hadn’t come to fruition. A defensive midfielder wasn’t viewed as a priority in January for Arsenal Football Club with the club deciding to sign players in other positions with an urgent need for cover. For example, the left back position was one of Wenger’s priorities in January once Armand Traore was sold to QPR. In my opinion, Arsenal wanted to see more of the Anderlecht midfielder in action first, plying his trade in Belgium’s top flight before contemplating whether to make a move. Arsenal club scouts will then have the opportunity to analyse Biglia’s performances and report back to Wenger if the player has impressed the club scouts. A summer move for the defensive midfielder at the right price for Anderlecht would suit all parties as the belgium giants didn’t want to release any of their key players halfway through the season.
Who Is Interested In Lucas Biglia And Why?
Although, Arsenal have been credited with an interest the likes of: A C Milan, Fiorentina, Roma, Liverpool, Manchester United and Valencia are all said to be interested. If the London club is serious about signing Biglia they will have to act fast to evade stiff competition. A move to either the Premier League or Italy’s Serie A seems most likely. Reports had emerged early this month that Anderlecht have agreed to let the midfielder move on in the summer. The fans favourite has flourished during the six seasons he has been at Anderlecht, winning six trophies at the club include Belgium’s Pro League twice. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed in Belgium and he was credited with the Young Player of the Year award in his first season. Although, he has won many trophies during his time at Anderlecht the player feels it is time for him to move on, and take the next big step in his career. One of the 26 year old’s ambitions is to add to the six caps he currently has for the Argentina national side. A move to a bigger club and league in Europe would bolster the players chance of becoming a regular for his native country, Argentina.
However, I can only see the Argentine joining to the North London Giants if a move for French midfielder Yann M’Vila falls through. Lucas Biglia would be a cheaper alternative to Rennes star M’Vila and he would provide adequate competition with Arsenal’s other midfielders for a starting berth. The defensive midfielder is technically gifted and an excellent set piece taker. Anderlecht’s talented holding midfielder has made over 150 league appearances for the club since his arrival in 2006 from Independiente.
Biglia will be available for a fee between £8- £15 million in the summer, a price well within Arsene Wenger’s transfer budget.
Arsenal club scout Giles Grimandi has previously made contact with Biglia’s agent according to reports and Arsenal also remain keen on Biglia’s teammate Matias Suarez. The Anderlecht talisman is contracted until 2015, so the players current club will have the upper hand in dictating how much they wish to sell him for.
The player’s agent had this to say in January : “Fiorentina’s interest is real, but Arsenal
also like him a lot. Italy has always been his dream and, as he holds an Italian passport, a move to Italy is very likely. It is, however, important to pay attention to Arsenal.”
Arsenal will be very active in the transfer department this summer, with several ins and outs a certainty. As always you can expect one or two surprises in store from Arsene Wenger.
Who Else Will Arsenal Sign? Only time will tell…
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