Arsenal are set to undergo a major transfer shopping spree in the summer. While there have been plethora of big names who have been linked with the London side, manager Arsene Wenger is well aware that he needs to build from the latest FA Cup triumph and gather a squad who could fight for the Premier League title next season. Today we take a look at three of the stopgap players whom Arsenal can sign in the coming summer.
James Milner:
There is no doubt that Arsene Wenger is set to bolster his squad in the summer and after Guardian reported that James Milner is ready to quit Manchester City in the summer, Arsenal could be a likely destination for the Englishman. ESPN reports that, “Milner is set to be offered a new four-year deal at City but the player is said to prefer the idea of walking out on a free transfer in a year’s time rather than extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium.”
The 28 year old possess enormous work rate and can be used as a stopgap right back as well as on either wings to provide solidity on the flanks. Milner is also expected to play an important role for England in the World Cup in Brazil.
Victor Valdes:
With the arrival Marc Andre ter Stegen at Camp Nou, Victor Valdez’s future has surely reached its last chapter. The Spaniard was rumoured to be on the wish list of Nouveau riche French side Monaco and that Valdes has chosen the French side over Arsenal last summer. The Gunners are also keeping tabs on the situation as Lukasz Fabianski is set to leave the Emirates in the summer, while Emiliano Viviano’s loan deal also coming to an end .
Wenger is desperate to bring in an experienced goalkeeper at Arsenal in the coming transfer market, who could challenge first choice Wojciech Szczesny for a starting eleven spot next season and none other Valdes could fit the bill perfectly. The Spaniard has the experience of playing in crunch matches in all most every season that he has been with the Catalan club and could be a vital addition to this young Arsenal side.
Carlos Vela:
Alongside Antoine Griezmann, Carlos Vela has enjoyed a dream season at Real Sociedad scoring 16 goals grabbing 14 assists in 43 appearances. The 25 year old Mexican failed to make an impact at Arsenal while he was still a teenager, spending most of his time away from the London outfit. However, he has sparked interests by the Gunners, who according to British tabloid Mirror, are looking to bring back the Mexican at the Emirates in the summer. Talking to the Spanish media about a possible move, Vela said that he wishes to do things differently this time around if at all he moves to Arsenal.
“If I have to return to London, I will try to make things in a different way in order so that happened in the past won’t be repeated again.”
Along with Olivier Giroud, Vela could form a vital partnership up-front. The Mexican can make huge impact in domestic cup competitions and nervy games in the premier League where once he failed to live up to the expectation.