Friday 3 April 2015 16:41, UK
Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas reckons former side Arsenal will be looking to recruit a holding midfielder and centre-half this summer – two signings which would make them “the real deal,” he says.
Nicholas highlighted Real Madrid’s out of favour France centre-back Raphael Varane and Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin as potential targets.
“Ideally, if the situation arose, I’d like to go and get Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. That’s who I’d really love Arsenal to get,” he said. “He’s had a bit of a hard time this season but I think if he was to work with Arsene Wenger he could become one of the best centre-halves in world football - if not the best.
“If Wenger is going to splash the clash for just one top-level guy this summer, Varane would be my wish.
“However, Arsenal also need protection for the defence. People have mentioned Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko to fill the deep role in midfield, but I don’t think he has enough discipline.
“Schneiderlin plays with a far more disciplined, controlled velocity, and I think he fits more into the pattern of Arsenal’s play. I’m not saying Francis Coquelin should be dropped immediately if Schneiderlin came in, he’d have to earn his place, but you could even play the two in the same team. That could work in Europe and certain away games in the Premier League.
“Schneiderlin is nearly 6ft, he gets about the pitch well, he passes well – he’s got all the ingredients.”
Here, we take a look at those two potential transfer targets Nicholas mentioned, plus two other players in those positions Arsenal have been linked with…
Morgan Schneiderlin
Schneiderlin seemed set to join the mass exodus from Southampton last summer but the south coast side clung on to the talented French central midfielder and reaped the rewards this season. The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s star performers – but, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, is set to snub offers from Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool to join Arsenal at the end of the campaign.
“He could play at any of the top clubs in the league,” said Gary Neville on Sky Sports, after watching a commanding display from the former Strasbourg man at Old Trafford.
Sami Khedira
Khedira is all but certain to leave Real Madrid in the summer when his contract runs out, however, his next destination remains a mystery. Guillem Balague has suggested a move back to Germany is on the cards, but the English press continue to link the midfielder with the Premier League.
“I want to start a new stage in my career and continue to grow,” he recently told Kicker. “There’s no agreement with anyone nor do I have a preference to go anywhere at the moment.”
It seems the World Cup and Champions League winner will be highly sought after – despite making just three league starts this season.
Raphael Varane
Like Khedira, Varane has regularly found himself out of the first-team frame at Real Madrid this season, playing a supporting role to Pepe and Sergio Ramos. However, the 21-year-old has plenty of potential and remains a respected talent – he played 90 minutes of France’s friendly with Denmark this week, despite losing his place at Real when Ramos returned from injury earlier this month.
There could be plenty of competition for the defender’s signature, however. The Sun reported that Chelsea are plotting a £40m bid for him this summer.
Chris Smalling
This week Smalling confirmed he is keen to stay at Manchester United for the long term – but admitted there are currently no contract negotiations under way with the club, despite his deal expiring in 2016.
Arsene Wenger is said to be an admirer and the Independent reported Arsenal could line up a £12m move for the England international. Per Mertersacker has made some high-profile errors this season – could the 25-year-old former Fulham man be a replacement?
