Scouting For Wenger: 5 Super Replacements For Mikel Arteta

The Spaniard has been out of touch for Arsenal this season, and after several disastrous showings, and with he getting no younger, it may be time for the midfielder to call time on his Arsenal career.

1. Sergi Roberto

Barcelona youngster Sergi Roberto has been given more of a chance under Gerardo Martino than any previous Barca coach, and that may tempt him to stay as he is finally seen as the heir to Xavi. Though if Arsenal could give him a good enough offer and promise him first team football, he could well chose to join the Gunners if they can stay top of the league until January. The only potential problem is that it is rumoured that they young Spaniard’s contract has a large buyout clause inside.

2. Sami Khedira

It would be unlikely that any transfer would happen before the summer, as the Germany international has been ruled out for the rest of the season and is also a doubt for the World Cup next summer. It is unlikely that Wenger would want to pay a big transfer fee for a player he will be unable to use this season, though we all know how good Khedira is, and his unique style would slot right into the Premier League, and Arsenal.

3. Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid man Xabi Alonso is highly thought of by current Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, and he is trying to convince the former Liverpool man to sign on in the Spanish capital before his contract expires this summer. If he chose to leave Los Blancos, they may settle for a cut price in January, and it would prove to be a bargain for whatever club secures his services, and that could be Arsenal. Though he is also of interest to Juventus, Napoli, Fiorentina, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Liverpool, so they must move fast to secure his signature.

4. Ander Iturraspe

Athletic Bilbao man Ander Iturraspe has been a crucial part to the Bilbao midfield this season, and has been one of the main bright lights in a season so far which has seen Los Leones push for a top 4 finish once again after last seasons disaster. Though the former Baskonia man will not come cheap, as Bilbao are famous for holding out for a large transfer fee. It is believed that he will cost a huge fee, and it is unlikely Wenger will want to splash that much money on one player, though after the signing of Mesut Ozil, it is possible.

5. Sven Bender

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender has been an Arsenal target for quite a while now, but he seems to be happy in Germany. After their late Champions League progression, it is unlikely he will leave this season, as he will want to see if his side can complete the same heroics as last season, and possibly even go one better. So a transfer would be most likely to happen in the summer, and Wenger seems to want a replacement now, though Bender is definitely one worth waiting for.