Most mock Arsenal for their transfer policy. Usually the Gunners sit back, miss out on the big names and suffer the consequences with a finish in the English Premier League between second and fourth. It’s nothing to bat an eye at though. Arsenal reached the Champions League for an 18th straight season despite the frugal policy. Most of the lack of spending can be attributed to the brilliant scouting the club – led by Arsene Wenger – has done. That changed in 2014 when Arsenal spent $130 million on players. The highlight of that list was Alexis Sanchez, who proved to be one of the best players in the country. Will the change in approach continue this summer? Thus far, goalie Petr Cech is the lone player to make the move to the Emirates. Cech, 33, signed for about $15 million and will supplant Wojciech Szczesny as the club’s No. 1. With Szczesny on the way out, which other players will Arsenal target in the transfer window? The season begins August 2 with the FA Community Shield, with the window closing August 31. Will Karim Benzema (L) join Cech at Arsenal? Click through to read about several of Arsenals transfer targets. (Getty)
Barcelona Youth Standout Targeted By Gunners
One of the lesser known of Arsenal’s targets, Sergi Samper is a center midfielder who may be on the way out of Barcelona. Samper, who plays for Barcelona’s B team, has a $13 million release clause which may be exercised by several clubs. Samper must either choose between playing in the Spanish third tier, try to break into Barcelona’s star-studded first team or test his luck with another squad. Reports suggest Arsenal is willing to meet the release clause; Arsene Wenger has targeted the 20-year-old for several seasons, including trying to sign him in 2011. Porto are also interested in Samper, who made his senior debut for Barcelona last September. (Getty)
Dzeko On Arsenal Radar
Edin Dzeko (R) has had a topsy-turvy career since moving to Manchester City, and his ride there may finally be drawing to a close. With just four goals in 22 Premier League appearances last year (six in 32 games overall), time is running out in Manchester. Looking at a buy-low candidate, Arsenal have been linked with the Bosnia striker who could turn his career around in London, with a transfer fee reported to be about $25 million. Arsenal have a variety of targets at the forward position, expect one of them to sign before the start of the season. (Getty)
Creative Midfielder Linked With Gunners
Another Bosnian, Miralem Pjanic, has recently been linked to Arsenal. Originally reported to be part of the deal to send Wojciech Szczesny to Roma, Pjanic has yet to make a decision on his future. He’s been quoted as saying to TalkSport: “I’m happy where I am but anything can happen. When you’re a footballer you never know where you’ll play next season.” Liverpool and Arsenal are after the 25-year-old, who scored this stunning goal in a preseason friendly earlier this week. Pjanic has close to 60 caps for his national team and has been at Roma for four seasons. The playmaking midfielder is under contract at Roma until 2018. (Getty)
Arsenal Set to Lose Out On Winger
One player that Arsenal may lose out on is Schalke’s Julian Draxler. The winger’s club and Juventus are close to agreeing on a transfer fee (a reported $32 million), with personal terms soon to follow. Just 21-years-old, Draxler has one foot out of Germany; Schalke’s board has confirmed he will likely leave the club soon. Arsenal have not ruled out a move for Draxler, but will have to move quickly or he will be on his way to Turin. Draxler has 15 caps for Germany and made his senior team debut at 17. (Getty)
Premier League Clubs Chase Isco
A possible game-changer if Arsenal can land him, Isco is on the list of all of the top Premier League clubs. An outcast for most of his time at Real Madrid, Isco is rumored to be on his way out of the team. The creative attacking midfielder would fit in well with Arsene Wenger’s system. Rumors began in May when a reported bid of $60 million was launched. Although this was probably false, the interest is almost assuredly there. Despite being a fan favorite at Real Madrid, Isco might be best served to take his talents elsewhere. (Getty)
Will Benzema Leave Real Madrid?
Another forward on Arsenal’s watch list, Karim Benzema might be the goal-scorer the Gunners need to challenge for a Premier League title. However it appears the only chance Arsenal have of prying Benzema away is if Real Madrid can sign Marco Reus from Borussia Dortmund. That would put Benzema’s place in jeopardy and would open him up to bidding. Arsenal have reached out to Real Madrid about Benzema, but no deal is in place yet. It would likely take Alexis Sanchez money ($65 million) to sign him. (Getty)
Gunners Are Willing to Spend to Get Aubameyang
The last of Arsenal’s reported forward targets, Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the quickest and most dynamic of the trio. Aubameyang has spent the last two seasons in Germany, netting 42 goals in 95 appearances. The goal rate has caught the attention of Arsenal and others, who may spend big bucks to take a chance on the Gabonese player despite the occasional inconsistent form. Though Arsenal may be willing to spend the money, Dortmund has continuously expressed that the player is not for sale and a deal may be hard to get done. Arsenal have reportedly sent in a bid for about $40 million for the player. Aubameyang is under contract until 2018 and could receive a pay raise to remain at the club. (Getty)
Young Defender On The Move to The Emirates?
There are a lot of big names on the list who may be out of Arsenal’s budget. A player the club is more likely to sign is 22-year-old defender Sead Kolasinac (L), who fits the bill of a young player who won’t break the bank but could prove to be a good investment. A versatile player who can play left back, center back or in midfield, Kolasinac is probably best known for his unfortunate own goal in the 2014 World Cup. According to reports, Arsenal are targeting Kolasinac as a replacement to Nacho Monreal, who may be on the way back home to Spain. Kolasinac also plays for Schalke, who finished sixth in the Bundesliga in 2014-2015. (Getty)
Arsenal Transfer News: Pjanic, Benzema, Dzeko