Arsene Wenger already said in The Sun newspaper that “talks had and were on going” and today we heard that the Lorrient manager, Chrstian Gourcuff,  said it is hugely likely that Koscielny will join Arsenal this summer (well in the next few weeks). This appears to be the signing Wenger talked about when doing coverage for French TV but who is the next defender coming to Arsenal as clearly we need to sign another with the departures of Mikael Silvestre, Gallas and a probable Campbell.

The mirror says:

Arsenal could move for Lorient centre-back Laurent Koscielny within the week.

French sources claim that the Gunners are gearing up to make their move on the 24-year-old, who has become an integral part of Lorient’s back four this season.

The Ligue 1 outfit are thought to be reluctant to part with their star defender, who has made 35 league appearances this season, but a bid in the region of £8million would be too much to resist.

Arsene Wenger has previously stated that he wants the majority of his transfer dealing concluded before the World Cup, and with doubt still hanging over the futures of Sol Campbell and William Gallas, an official move for Koscielny may just be days away.

The window opens 1st of June so lets see.

Mertesacker has described Arsenal as an “attractive” option and in my opinion although injury prone would be just the defender we need. With | Djourou as back up and playing some champions league games this could be the tonic for success - not overplaying him and having a colossal 6 ft 6 inch centre back to partner Vermaelen with plenty of experience. In my opinion should Wenger offer he would jump to join.

Secondly The Sun says Gary Cahill would cost us £14 should we want him – quite reasonable for a good young English CB and he would do just as Mertesacker would.

To finalise Simon Kjaers club have opened speculation by saying by announcing: “Of course the World Cup can emphasise a player, but Kjaer will only leave Palermo if a team pays his buy-out clause.” The buy out clause is £10 million – not a lot for a top class 21 year old CB.

I think all of these rumours are plausible so lets wait till the 1st of June and find out….I’m confident it will be one of these three players though.

Goal Keepers:

On the list:

1- Hugo Lloris Holds the number one spot for France and plays domestic football for lyon. A great singing should we get him but he seems content at Lyon, however perhaps because no offers have come in yet. A snatch at £12.5 million for such a good consistent performer at top class level?

Fan rating: 10/10     Arsene Rating: 7/10

2- Joe Hart: Man City number 2 behind Given, however as he is injured for the start of next season is unlikely to be sold by Man City; Joe Hart would probably be open to the move although why would the east-lands sell with so much money. A good performer who has pl experience; Vital.

Fan Rating: 8/10      Arsene Rating: 8/10

3- Gigi Buffon: Undoubtedly most experienced goaly on the list however he would demand a large fee - more than Lloris and would be on a huge wage. He is over the 30 mark, which although for a goal keeper isn’t that bad means he is likely to more injuries. Good but I’d rather have Lloris or Hart.

Fan Rating: 6/10     Arsene Rating: 4/10

Defence

1- Phillipe Mexes: Tough CB with plenty of football behind in at Roma. Very good player and would be welcomed to Arsenal, a decent partner to Vermaelen but perhaps Arsene and the fans want a taller player? Good proposition at £11 million however.

Fans Ratings:    7/10    Arsene Rating:    7/10

2- Phil Jagielka: Decent player at Everton however in my opinion not the player we need. We need a taller stronger player not another person in the Vermaelen mould otherwise it wouldn’t work. We need a player to contribute to his qualities not copy them.

Fans Ratings:   5/10   Arsene Rating:   4/10

3- Pape Diakhete: 25 year old Senegal CB who would go quite cheap at under £10 million – however in my opinion this is not improving the side, he’s not the player we want and I believe Djourou would do a better job. However sounds like a Wenger signing…
Fans Rating:   4/10    Arsene Rating:   8/10

Midfield - determining that Cesc will leave 1- Felipe Melo: No doubt would fit perfectly into our side as he can play defensive or attacking in the centre of midfield but he doesn’t seem hugely bothered about moving to The Arsenal. However perhaps because he’s playing his cards close to his chest in case he doesn’t get a move away from the black and white of Juve. A great signing should we get him here – at £15 million but no more.

Fans Rating:    8/10    Arsene Rating:    6/10

2- Yoann Gourcuff: A great young midfielder from Bordeaux although not cheap – in my opinion the ideal replacement for Cesc with Chamakh coming in the two would link up perfectly. Also tall, strong and good in the air qualities we lacked from Cesc, but I’m not blaming that on him as he didn’t shy from challenges….cough…cough..Denilson. I doubt we could ge him for under £20 million so I doubt Arsene will be interested however.

Fans Rating:  10/10    Arsene Rating:  7/10

4- David Silva: Great player and would love to see him at the Emirates but I don’t expect him to come as he would only want to move within Spain; I’ll live in hope though

Fans Rating:   9/10    Arsene Rating:  3/10

5- Eden Hazard:  The next player to be the best in the world in a few years – if we get fund from Cesc’s Fransfer we should spend the £20 million needed on him as at 19 he is showing why he will become huge in football. Belgium roots so Vermaelen could help him and the player specifically said if he went anywhere he would love Arsenal or Real Madrid. Thsi player in my mind is on a par with Gourcuff – play Nasri in the middle and Hazard on the wing- sorted.

Fans Rating: 10/10    Arsene Rating:  6/10

Forwards

We all know Chamakh is coming and to be honest Wenger won’t sign anyone else there unless someone leaves. If an offer comes in for Eduardo he is likely to take it and then there are possibilities but until then why discuss?

The Goalkeeping spot

We all know and I have said this for ages that Almunia was never good and will never be good enough for us. ON his day he is a good keeper but nothing more. But he rarely has ‘his day’ and this means he lacks consistency. To be honest I may be able to cope with an average keeper who doesn’t have off days but doesn’t make amazing saves as this would mean we would know when we would get beaten and not have 10 clagners a season which is Alumnia. I would rather Almunia not have had an amazing 1^st leg against Barcelona, but an average season without huge errors in the league. This in my opinion will reassure defenders about the capabilities of their man between the sticks and will create less errors and mental issues in the game with them.

Will Almunia be sold/leave: No he will become our keeper on the bench as no one will buy him.

Will Wenger buy a new 1^st team Goalie: Yes

If I see any Goalie coming to Arsenal it will be Hugo Lloris the very talented French man. He is 6ft 3 and is by far one of the best up and coming goalies. If Wenger can get him for the right price I think there is no doubt he will make an attempt. The question we have to ask ourselves is how much will Wenger believe is an adequate evolution? My View 8 – 15 million and any figure would be worthy of his services for us.

However you cannot only blame Wenger for our lack of good goalies but the goalkeeping coaches. Wtf have they been doing for 3 – 4 season???

The Defence

There is no doubt we will buy in the summer. Gallas and Silvestre can leave and we should give Campbell another year just for his leadership and to be back up, back up centre back. Djourour will be a good defender; he is tall strong and can head the ball and at the moment he can be a decent back up centre back. I believe even if Campbell stays Wenger should/will buy another centre back and possible are Steven Mouyokolo of Hull, Martin Caceres of Barca and Jerome Boateng of Hamburg.

Out of that 3 I would love to see Boateng come – however it appears Man City are gonna beat us to him and will also probably use their loo rolls of money to pay a ridiculous amount for a player Hamburg value at £11 million. He can play right back and centre back and is 6ft 3 and strong. We can live in hope.

I don’t want to see a £2 million Hull City reject come to Arsenal – if he hasn’t kept Hulls defence why should he play for us?

I can’t really comment on Caceres but I do know he appears injury prone; he went on loan to Juventus and has only figured 10 time this season. I don’t like the sound of this one however it could be very true as he appears (when playing!) very good on the ball and quite a decent passer. However he is only 5ft11 ½ and however good Vermaelen is I don’t think Wenger can pull that trick again.

With regards to Hangeland of Fulham I don’t think it will happen. Sorry.

The Midfield

People constantly batter Denilson. They are right to do so I don’t care how young he is, he has played over 100 games for us and I have never seen drastic improvement; ok he has scored a few goals this season but overall his game playing skills have not improved – he still is lazy as ever and I don’t think he has the natural talent and flair f some of our other younger players. Would he even get on Man Utd’s or Chelskis bench? Precisely.

Abou Diaby will be great. Just give him time and buy some players so as to give him a rest – currently we do not have enough back up players so as soon as he’s back from injury (which will come) hes back in the squad with no time. That’s what happened at Spurs and look at his performance.

So will Wenger sell Denilson: No – but he will be on the bench next season as Wenger will buy – in the long term he will be sold as Ramsey will become our awesome CM player.

Who will Wenger buy?

Felipe Melo is a possible if at the right price because when Wenger goes for a player he is almost certain he knows he will succeed. He was voted worst player in Serie A this season simply because he couldn’t play well with his Juve team mates. That won’t happen at Arsenal – rest assured.

There have also been reports that Wenger will go back for Clement Chantome who he tried signing last year. Although PSG would not sell – However his contract is up in two years and the player may not renew so with some luck we may have our man. He is 1.83 metres or dead on 6ft and is aged 22. A good player and coming into that age when he is looking good ahead of his prime.

The Attack

Ok I will count that Chamakh is in with the squad – a good signing.

However Wenger will want a real quality player to come in as he will know now how much we lost without Van Persie; If the reports that he has £45 million to spend are true then why rule out David Silva who is going from Valencia? He is a left footed winger and what we need in our formation – we have missed a good player how can cross and take on the left so why not when the papers are saying he is available at £22 million? People have been referring to Eden Hazard but why would we buy him at £18 million when for £4 million extra we could have an established international, quality player who knows Fabregas and can play alongside him? Bear in mind we have Jack Wilshere who in my mind is just as good as Hazard.

We also may be in for Loic Remy – and this may be true as Wenger did try to sign him in January but the price was too high at £13 million. The player has said he would love to play for Arsenal but to see him come we will have to see players leave; that could be Eduardo or Vela as Vela has not had game time. To be honest I wouldn’t mind Eduardo to leave as he has never been the same after the injury but not Vela as he is good and will be great for us.

So that’s that – and feel free to have your views; insult my choices like some will or like them – I won’t take ti personally and even put your own down for the fun of it. Andy J

The Goalkeeper Position

Well all the pundits will tell you Almunia is not good enough and so will all us fans, however we are not the manager. Almunia has been better in the past few weeks as keeper and I have a bad feeling that Wenger might just keep him. I really hope not because although Almunia is not a bad keeper he isn’t a keeper worthy of champions – in my opinion. I think in the long term Szechny (or however you spell it!) is our real savior in that position - but if Wenger is looking at a keeper who is it?



It has got to be Hugo Lloris currently the very good keeper of Lyon. He is 6ft 2 inches and is definitely good enough for us straight away. BUT Wenger will not buy unless he is available at a correct price, and to be honest who knows what Wenger believes is a good price? In my opinion I can’t see us buying a keeper in the summer…

Defence

Silvestre will leave - not a problem. Gallas? Who knows? But anyhow we will buy at least one CB in the summer. My guess is that Wenger will pick a relatively unheard of name, like Vermaelen, and buy again – however it depends whether Gallas signs. If he does Wenger will buy an inexperienced player who can play his way into the team. But if he goes (an in my opinion this is not such a problem as he is ageing and I have still never forgiven him after his captaincy issue) I think Wenger will buy from Abroad – but I doubt Hangeland will be brought in as many people say.

Midfield

Well I don’t think Wenger will buy if his current central midfielders stay – Ramsey is out and possibly he will try to tempt over Melo but at anything over £10 million he will walk away. We have Fran Merida as well and we know Wenger loves him…

Attack

Chamakh will come in – we all know it. We are apparently also looking at Remy and I believe the interest to be true but only if one of our players leave – perhaps Eduardo or Vela due to lack of first team opportunities?  I really hope Vela doesn’t as he has a future. I like Dudu however he hasn’t been himself and if he doesn’t start performing from now to the end of the campaign then would this be bad Wenger has just recently stated he is now fully fit so no excuses…

We have also been linked with Eden Hazard and newspapers report Wenger has phoned him but this will only happen should one of our CAM’s leave like Rosicky – btu why would that happen? Also bear in mind Wilshere is on loan and will come back next season so how will Hazard get a game? Sorry but I can’t see it Wenger doesn’t splash £20 million on most players let alone a sub!

And that’s it folks summer possibilities…

Your views on my views?????

Full name: André-Pierre Gignac
Date of birth: May 12, 1985
Birthplace: Martigues, France
Nationality: French
EU passport: Yes
Height: 187 cms
Weight: 84 kgs

Club: Toulouse
Position: Striker [C]
Squad Number: 10
Previous clubs: Lorient > Pau (loan) > Toulouse

International debut: 1 April 2009, W 1-0 v Lithuania
International Caps: 6
International Goals: 1
World Cups: none

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Full name: Luca Toni Varchetta
Date of birth: May 26, 1977
Birthplace: Pavullo nel Frignano, Italy
Nationality: Italian
EU passport: Yes
Height: 193 cms
Weight: 88 kgs

Club: Free Agent (to be released by Bayern)
Position: Striker [C]
Squad Number: 9
Contract expires: June 2012
Previous clubs: Modena > Empoli > Fiorenzuola > Trevise > Vicenza > Brescia > Palermo > (€11m) Fiorentina > (€18m) Bayern München

International debut: August 2004, v Iceland
International Caps: 47
International Goals: 16
World Cups: Germany 2006 (1st)

Signing Possibility: 6/10

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Full name: Carlton Cole
Date of birth: November 12, 1983
Birthplace: Surrey, England
Nationality: English
2nd nationality: Nigerian
EU passport: Yes
Height: 190 cms
Weight: 88 kgs

Club: West Ham
Position: Forward [C]
Squad Number: 12
Previous clubs: Chelsea > (loan) Wolverhampton > Chelsea > (loan) Aston Villa > Chelsea > West Ham

International debut: February 2009, v Spain
International Caps: 4
International Goals: 0
World Cups: none

Signing Possibility: 6/10

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Full name: Edin Džeko
Date of birth: March 17, 1986
Birthplace: Doboj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nationality: Bosnian
EU passport: No
Height: 192 cms
Weight: 80 kgs

Club: Wolfsburg
Position: Forward [C]
Squad Number: 9
Previous clubs: Zeljeznicar > Usti nad Labem > Teplice > Wolfsburg

International debut: June 2007, v Turkey
International Caps: 20
International Goals: 14
World Cups: none

Signing Possibility: 5/10

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Full name: Goran Pandev
Date of birth: July 27, 1983
Birthplace: Strumica, Macedonia
Nationality: Macedonian
EU passport: No
Height: 184 cms
Weight: 75 kgs

Club: Free Agent
Position: Forward [L]
Squad Number: 19
Previous clubs: Belasica > Inter Milan > La Spezia > Ancona > Lazio

International debut: December 2000
International Caps: 17
International Goals: 6
World Cups: none

Signing Possibility: 7/10

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Full name: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Date of birth: August 12, 1983
Birthplace: Drempt, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch
EU passport: Yes
Height: 183 cms
Weight: 78 kgs

Club: Milan
Position: Striker [C]
Squad Number: 11
Contract expires: June 2013
Previous clubs: PSV > (loan) De Graafschap > PSV > (loan) AGOVV Apeldoorn > Heerenveen > (€9m) Ajax > (€27m) Real Madrid > (€15) Milan

International debut: August 2006, v Republic of Ireland
International Caps: 26
International Goals: 14
World Cups: none

Signing Possibility: 5/10

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Full name: David Villa Sánchez
Date of birth: December 03, 1981
Birthplace: Langreo, Spain
Nationality: Spanish
EU passport: Yes
Height: 175 cms
Weight: 69 kgs

Club: Valencia
Position: Forward [C]
Squad Number: 7
Contract expires: June 2014
Previous clubs: Sporting Gijon B > Sporting Gijon > (€2.5m) Zaragoza > (€12m) Valencia

International debut: February 2005, v San Marino
International Caps: 52
International Goals: 33
World Cups: Germany 2006

Signing Possibility: 1/10

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Full name: Marouane Chamakh
Date of birth: January 10, 1984
Birthplace: Tonnens, France
Nationality: Moroccan
2nd nationality: French
EU passport: Yes
Height: 185 cms
Weight: 70 kgs

Club: Bordeaux
Position: Forward [C]
Squad Number: 29
Previous clubs: (youth) Bordeaux

International debut: June 2003, v Sierra Leone
International Caps: 31
International Goals: 10
World Cups: none

Signing Possibility: 2/10

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Personally I think Dzeko is the best player to get but Wenger wont offer as much as they want. Pandev seems quite a reliable option seeming he is free however Gignac may be the move Wenger makes? I really don’t know. What are your view?

Van Persie was stretchered off during Holland’s goalless friendly draw in Italy on Saturday night.

He damaged his ankle in a challenge with Giorgio Chiellini in the early stages of the clash.

Afterwards Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk suggested Van Persie had torn his ankle ligaments, althought the extent of the injury will not be determined until Sunday when tests will be carried out on the striker.

If confirmed, Van Persie would be facing around two months on the sidelines – something which would threaten to derail Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge.

Van Persie has scored seven league goals for the Gunners this season, helping them to second place in the current standings.

They trail leaders Chelsea by five points but have a game in hand on their London rivals.

Transfer Talk

Liverpool are also keen on Arsenal striker Eduardo and are poised to make a £10m bid for Croatian.
Full story: News of the World

Arsenal are preparing a £5m bid for Hoffenheim’s Brazilian midfielder Maicosuel.
Full story: News of the World

The Gunners are also keen on Cardiff City full-back Adam Matthews and are planning a £5m swoop for the 17-year-old. (Sunday Express)

Eden Hazard

Hazard is an attacking midfielder currently playing for Lille in French Ligue 1. He is very short at only 1.7 metres tall but is super quick and already has a great passing range at only 18. The Daily Mail and Daily Mirror both have reported this story and although both papers don’t have the best rumour to signing ratio it sounds like a signing Wenger would make. The Daily Mirror reported he was so keen to scare off interest he would offer around 5 million in January. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man Utd and Inter Milan have all shown interest but Hazard has declared himself that as a child he dreamed of playing for Arsenal or Real Madrid.

Gregory Van Der Wiel

Van Der Wiel is the 21 Year Old right back of Ajax. It is reported that Wenger was keen on the player after spotting him whilst watching Vermaelen. Ajax rate the player in the £7 million bracket and seeming Sagna is ageing in the Wenger age range it seems it may happen. i don’t belive Wenger see’s Eboue as the replacement for Sagna and he is only a year or so behind his age so it seems a realistic chance, if not in January but in the summer. After Thomas Vermaelen has been so good Wenger may be tempted. Gavin Hoyte is the only right back coming from youth and Pedro Bothelo who’s on loan seems a bit of idiot, causing havoc wherever he goes.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Another young right back this time playign his football  at Osasuna. He is a very bright proposition and Wenger believes he can steal him from the Spanish club for only 2 million. Azilicueta is 20 and would be a good signing due to his potential and at only £2 million would attract Wenger like nothing else.

The list is a bit short isn’t it?

Hence the title realistic signings that is the answer to your question. Currently Wenger knows he will need to replace Alex Song On the window but is not sure how to do it. I don’t believe he will go for Vieira and I think St Etiene will price themselves out of a sale by rating Matuidi at around £15 million. Wenger probably is eyeing a 27 year old player who is unsettled or is wanting a new challenge who we haven’t heard of but I’ll leave that to him.

REMEMBER TO TUNE IN AFTER TONIGHT’S GAME V LIVERPOOL FOR MATCH HIGHLIGHTS!

Much like as you play free poker tournaments, picking up players during the transfer window can be a bit of a gamble. You really won’t know how they will work out until they get out on the pitch. However, unlike playing on poker websites, at least these players have some type of track record, so you know at least a little about what you are getting. Regardless of who we pick up, hopefully they will help the team in a substantial way.

This January we could do with a back up Centre Back for Vermaelen and Gallas and a experienced player who can take the CDM role when Song Leaves for the cup of nations.

Song has been playing brilliant so far this season and is continuing to improve every game he plays in red, but in my opinion because Denilson will only be reaching match fitness by the time Song leaves, we can’t just throw him into the team with little fitness and awareness. This could be catastrophic.

Ramsey is not the sort of player who can play that role because he likes to get forward, and although I believe he is good enough, he has virtually no experience to get us through tough game, which I’m sure await.

People are bringing up the idea of Viera, I believe this is the wrong way to do things. Sorry to all those who want him back but he won’t be the player of the past. I would prefer a player of around 27 or 28 with the legs for our play but with tons of experience. Such a player I’m not sure of but I know I will get suggestions in the comments so fire away.

We need good back up Centre Back. Silvestre and Senderos are not good enough. Full stop. We have Nordveit but he’s on loan in Germany and won’t be recalled and Djourou who is good is injured for the duration.

Therefore a good CB is a must. Who I shall let you decide in the comments again because I’m getting lazy. So keep the comments coming!

With these two additions I’m sure we would win two trophies this season, my bets are The FA Cup and League. Am I mad or down to earth, you decide!