Lille Starlet Eden Hazard Would Be a Great Signing for Arsene Wenger

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(Bleacher Report) If the Gunners could find a way to pull it off, the signature of Belgian starlet Eden Hazard would be one of the best moves they could make. His ability to cut through a defense as well as pass around one makes him an ultimate forward.

The Arsenal target scored two goals this weekend as he looks up and ready for the clubs opening round of the UEFA Champions League that kicks off this week. He will be an influential part for their possible success and will need to continue to be on the top of his game.

However, if not in January, Hazard could be a strongly chased target over the summer with Arsene Wenger eager to find a player that can take the place of Andrei Arshavin who has at times acted like he wanted out.

So far his performances for current side Lille have helped to show that the defending French Champions are still strong despite losing Gervinho to Arsenal already.

At only 20 years old Hazard is in the age bracket that Arsene Wenger like to buy in. The recent signatures of multiple players over 21 was one of them most aggressive offensive gambles that Arsene Wenger has taken in a long time, but it should pay off.

For once the Frenchman has purchased players that are experienced and they are the kinds of players that are versatile and interchangeable. Their experience and advice could go a long way to assisting a young incoming player like Hazard if Wenger can get him in the summer.

Earlier in the summer Hazard was rated as £26 million, but giving his recent continued high octane form that price could raise to £30 million plus by next summer.

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Blackburn's Signing of Scott Dann Could See Christopher Samba Move On

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(Bleacher Report) Aside from Gary Cahill, Arsenal were also highly linked with the signature of Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba this summer.

The Gunners could have used him in recent weeks as their defensive unit has been disappearing one at a time from either suspension or injuries.

Thomas Vermaelan looked to finally be up for another full season at the Emirates when he went down for a three month or more injury that will require minor surgery and time to heal. It was a rag tag defensive unit for the Gunners since Vermaelen’s injury, and has seen Wenger’s squad meet tough opponents that took full advantage of it.

Blackburn Rovers defender and possibly January Gunners target Samba may be a more affordable option to a target like Gary Cahill. Everton defender Phil Jagielka also was on the top of Arsene Wenger’s charts but the price tag again was the issue for the Frenchman.

Arsenal was also interested in the signature of former Birmingham City turned Rover Scott Dann this summer. Dann’s arrival could make it easier to sign Samba in the January window as he now has cover if he is sold.

The 27 year old defender would be most expected to take his leave from Blackburn in the next season or two if he is going to make a switch. At his age he is about to hit the prime years of his career and he would much rather be in contention to win silverware in the near future than languish in relegation battle.

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Mohammed Abdellaoue on Arsenal Radar for January

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(Bleacher Report) Despite the signing of Park Chu-Young Arsene Wenger could be in the market for another striking option come January. The daunting task of playing four tournaments at once between the Premier League, FA Cup, Carling Cup and UEFA Chsmpion's League can take its toll on a team that is not supplied with depth.

Arsenal shipped of their most seasoned front man aside from Robin Van Persie to Sunderland on the last day of the transfer window. Danish out of favor forward Nicklas Bendtner has claimed he will not be returning and with Marouane Chamakh seeming largely ineffective in the long run in the EPL Wenger could look elsewhere.

That leads to Wenger believed to be heading back into the Bundesliga talent poor for another additional striker to both Gervinho and Park Chu-Young. Hannover 96 forward Mohammed Abdellaoue has been lighting up the German league with three goals in his first four games.

The Norwegian could be a welcomed addition as the first team have not been able to produce the goods as they would like to this season. Another body to shift up and down on the depth chart would do Wenger good.

Wenger could be looking for ways to keep his team fresh and making another quality signing will only improved the buzz around the club.

As the Gunners continue to get used to the rebuilding stage, they will more than likely be dipping into the Transfer Market against his winter, and Abdellaoue could be on that list.
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Have Bolton's Three Straight Losses Damaged Gary Cahill's Stock

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(Bleacher Report) Gary Cahill opened the season on a high by scoring in Bolton Wanderers 4-0 defeat of Queens Park Rangers on opening day. His brilliant strike was one of the best of the opening weekend as far as taking advantage of a scoring opportunity.

However, since that match the Trotters have gone down hill suffering three straight losses and pushing them down the table. Although the opposition in both Manchester clubs was top class, it is still a disappointment for the club not to have taken anything from the matches.

Cahill was subject of mountains of transfer speculation the summer, and was believed to be destined for a deadline day signing by Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman instead opted for the signing of Per Mertesacker as the big German came in for about half of the cost that Cahill was expected to demand.

Come January Cahill still could be on the Gunners managerial wish list if he can keep performing at a top level. Despite the three losses Bolton have never given up in any of the matches and have made some bright attacks but are still lacking cohesion and finishing touch.

One thing that is certain is that Cahill is a huge part of Owen Coyle's plans at Bolton, but at 25 years old the player is likely wanting to take his play to the next level for a major club.

That desire and his hopes for the upcoming UEFA European Championship in Summer could prompt him to try and force through a move in January if Arsenal or any club make a move.

In the long run these first several losses will not affect his value, but if his play dips with the clubs for a long period of time people will start to ask questions of the lad.
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Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Eden Hazard and 3 Players Arsene Wenger Will Chase

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(Bleacher Report) Arsene Wenger can finally breath at least a small sigh of relief as his club pulled of a narrow 1-0 victory over Swansea City thanks to Andrei Arshavin.

The Russian scored thanks to an error by Swansea keeper Michel Vorm, who has been sensational since his arrival from the Eredivisie up until that one moment. The keeper rolled a ball out to an inattentive defender allowing Arshavin to pounce and put the Gunners on top.

It would prove all that was necessary for Wenger to lead his club to their first victory of the season and hopefully kick off a better September than they had in August.

Wenger had spent big on the final day of the transfer window, and he included all of his new signings in the 18-man squad that came out to face his opponents, with both Per Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta getting the start.

So far it looks like these could be signings to get them through their tough year ahead, but not all will make the cut for the long haul as he will undoubtedly pursue more strength for the club come January.

Check back here for updates as they are added below......Click to View the News.

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English Premier League: Week 4 Match Previews and Predictions

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(Bleacher Report) After a two-week absence, the EPL returns to action following an exciting opening month of August and an even more exciting close to the transfer window.

Many changes were made through signings and transfers in the last few days of the summer window. The balance of power could very well be shifting in the coming months, especially concerning lower level clubs like Queens Park Rangers.

Some moves were expected and some were last-minute shockers. In the end, all it does is make us look forward to multiple new debuts this weekend with even more anticipation.

For a full review of the August team of the month from Bleacher Report and additional monthly awards you can click here, otherwise let's get rolling on the matches coming up starting on Saturday......Click to View the Match Previews.

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Arsenal Transfer Speculation and Latest News for the Gunners

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(Bleacher Report) Another week in the Gunners camp has seen Arsene Wenger have to shoulder yet another disappointing injury blow with his only shining star center back, Thomas Vermaelen, now looks to be out for three months.

This looks to be yet another set back for Wenger, who is desperate to get his club back on the right track after not only a poor month of August, but an utterly embarrassing 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Manchester United in their last game.

He has brought in new faces thanks to a very busy final day to this summer's transfer window for the Gunners, but they will still take time to work their way into the system.

As this weekend's match against Swansea is quickly approaching, Arsenal will be hoping that a chance to try and beat up on a newly-promoted team will allow them to start the month of September off the right way: with three points and notch in the win column......Click to View the News.

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Arsenal Transfer Rumors: 4 Midfielders to Replace Nasri and Fabregas

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(Bleacher Report) Arsene Wenger spent big on the last day of the summer window in attempt to stop the bleeding that has seen his club have its worst start in years.

Two losses and a draw now see the Gunners in 17th place in the table, with a host of clubs swarming to try and kick the perennial top four club while they are down the ladder.

Arsenal may have captured Mikel Arteta from Everton and Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea on deadline day but are those two the real long term answers to the loss of both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri?

In recent seasons Wenger has focused much more on youth than on older players as he always seems to spend large on talent and short on experience. That again still had some truth this summer when he splashed the cash on young Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

However, this window as a whole was a different story for a change and may bear fruit for Wenger, but it does not answer the questions of what he will do to solve the long term voids of his two star midfielders that have now departed.

Rumors have continued for the past week as there still looks to be Arsenal money to spend come January, and there is still a short list of players that could be lined up for a winter time transfer raid......Click to View all the News.

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EPL Preview: 10 Bold Predictions for September and Post-Transfer Window Matches

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(Bleacher Report) With the Transfer Window finally closed, teams will go back to the drawing board with the players they have secured for the time being.

Manchester United and Manchester City have roared out of the gates to join atop the EPL, while Liverpool and Chelsea are sitting joint third.

Arsenal suffered defeats to both the Reds and the Red Devils, while Tottenham were crushed by both United and City. With both clubs from the North London Derby sitting in the basement, the current big six has been slightly disheveled.

All three of the the newly promoted teams have gotten more points in the opening month than both Arsenal and Tottenham. Both Norwich City and Swansea City have two, while Queens Park Rangers have three points—the only new side in the league to have a victory.

The last day of the transfer deadline has seen many clubs sign players that are likely to completely change where they end in the table, and this month will start to show how much the new players will mean to teams during the first half of the season.

That said, here is a list of 10 bold possibilities to happen this month in the English Premier League......Click to view Slideshow.

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EPL Transfer Deadline Day Deals: The One Deal Each Team Has to Make on Final Day

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(Bleacher Report) With less than 24 hours remaining, each club in the Barclay's Premier League will be looking to complete their final deals and set their team up as best as possible for the next four months before the January transfer window is open.

Arsenal have been scrambling all day to make sure that Arsene Wenger brings in at least enough to get the club to January in the top six.

The teams expecting to be in the relegation fight are also looking for their last chance to add depth before they see just how grueling the EPL season can be.

There is not a lot of time left for all of our clubs, and with a look at what the next day could hold here is a list of the deals that each team needs to complete on deadline day......Click to View Slideshow.

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Chelsea FC Deadline Day: Franck Ribery, Luka Modric, Yossi Benayoun and More

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(Bleacher Report) Chelsea head into the final day of the transfer window with the intent of splashing some major cash. Their chase for several top internationals from around continental Europe is heading down to the wire, and with so little time left, there is no telling what will happen next.

Andre Villas-Boas is keen on bringing in at least one or two more players while trying to trim the excess from his squad. His new signings are most likely to come at the expense of several veteran players and at least one that has never gotten his career off the ground at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have made a great turn around after their opening day draw with Stoke City, and with the addition of several new players alongside already arrived and debuted Juan Mata, Chelsea could be set for one of their best title challenges yet.

However, the efforts of both Manchester City and Liverpool have them neck and neck with Chelsea as top contenders to push for the top spot in England......Click for all the News.

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Liverpool FC Transfer Rumours: Yossi Benayoun Will Not Be Returning to Anfield

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(Bleacher Report) Chelsea tried to complete a last minute player plus cash deal that would see Raul Meireles go to Stamford Bridge and see the Reds former sprightly attacking midfielder Yossi Benayoun come back to his Merseyside roots along with a £7 million purse.

However, Kenny Dalglish and Damien Camolli have seen off Andre Villa-Boas and his attempt to reclaim his former charge Meireles whom he sold to Liverpool at the beginning of last season while still managing FC Porto.

Meireles has emerged as a standout player for the Reds and is currently out with a collarbone issue. His substitute performance alongside Luis Suarez in the Arsenal game two weekends ago proved how valuable he can be to the club.

He also has proved that he can provide a spark when the club needs it most as he was the player who peaked just as Kenny Dalglish came back to the helm in January. The Portuguese player went on a run that saw him score five goals in six games including the single goal that lifted the Reds to a league double over Chelsea on the day of Fernando Torres' debut as a Blue.

There was simply no way that the Liverpool powers to be were letting go of one of their best assets.

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Arsenal Transfer Deadline Targets: Per Mertesacker & 6 Players on Wenger's List

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(Bleacher Report) After a horrid Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford, Arsene Wenger looks to finally show true signs of life in the transfer market.

He has brought in £60 million to stock his transfer kitty with the sales of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Manchester City.

However, until this weekend's 8-2 humbling defeat to rivals Manchester United, he has looked content not to spend.

It is now down to the fact that his team is just not good enough and he cannot simply rely on his youthful talent. He needs proven players with veteran leadership to ensure he has a fighting chance of turning out the same result as in 2006-07.

That was the last season Arsenal sat on only one point after three games and the Gunners still finished fourth. But this season looks to have already proven it will be a tougher battle for fourth than ever as Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are all at the top of the table and ready for a fight to the finish.

Here are seven players he is considering......Click to Start Slideshow.

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EPL Preview: Predicting the Manchester United Starting XI vs. Arsenal

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Danny Welbeck of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on August 22, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

(Bleacher Report)Manchester United currently are joint top of the table as they look to keep their streak going against an Arsenal team that is experiencing loads of change this season. The Red Devils have had great success so far this season with an invigoration of new youthful talent.

The Gunners made their way into the Champions League this week thanks to a superb effort in the second leg to assure they went through against Udinese. It means there once again is hope of an all English semi-final round but Arsene Wenger has to sort his team out in the league as well.

Sir Alex Ferguson has managed his team well through the first two games by securing victories over a tough West Bromwich Albion team, as well as an unimpressive Tottenham Hotspur club last week.

However, the Red Devils have experienced an injury crisis of their own with their two star center half's in Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand being out for the time being as well has having lost Rafael Da Silva. Patrice Evra is touch and go but should once again be in the starting line up.

Great performances against Tottenham by both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have many believing that the returns of Vidic and Ferdinand will be met with a tough test to get back into the first 11 automatically as Smalling in particular has shined since the FA Community Shield Victory.

I expect a great matchup as even though the Gunners are down, Wenger always has them ready for a good hard fought battle against his old rivals up north at Old Trafford.

Keeper

David De Gea is sure to start. Despite his early rattlings in the opening match's, most notably being caught out at times appearing to be behind the pace, the young Spaniard has shown much promise. I believe he will only get stronger under Ferguson's tutorship.

The Back Line

Jonathan Evans and Phil Jones are my believed men to hold their places at the center of defense. Both have continued to display poise and class beyond their years and they look very promising for United's future.

Patrice Evra will start on the left and will be his leadership at the back that will guide the three youngsters and his keeper to keep making forward moves. Chris Smalling has proven a great stand in at the right back position and his versatility will see him get much playing time this season.

The Midfield

Ashley Young has been excellent since his arrival and I expect nothing less of him as he retains his place in continuance of his great form. Nani as well has been on top of his game and his creativity has had great influence in what could be the season in which he comes of age.

The center of midfield has been held down by an unlikely duo that emerged as the summer preseason went on. Tom Cleverly returned from a great loan spell and has been a permanent fixture in Sir Alex Ferguson's line-up since. Just as well Anderson looks to finally have developed to his potential and is reaping the rewards.

The Attack

Wayne Rooney as always is one of the most deadly and well rounded strikers in the game. Rooney also has already gotten himself into the top of the scoring charts with a goal in both the West Brom and Tottenham victories.

Danny Welbeck returned from loan this season after having a good showing for Steve Bruce and Sunderland last year. He scored against Tottenham last Monday night and looks to have a good run of form going as he is holding the place of Javier Hernandez while he recovers to complete fitness.

Supersubs in Waiting

Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez will most likely be the striking options on the bench. Berbatov could be leaving the club before next week, while Hernandez is still not at 100% fitness as he is making his way back from the head injury he picked up in preseason.

Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ji-Sung Park will be the likely candidates for a possible run out in the middle or wide areas of the park should the need arise.

Rounding out the last two places on the bench are Fabio da Silva and Tomasz Kuszczak. Fabio will be the only real option available for a defensive run out as the United defenders available and still fit are slim.

Conclusion

The Red Devils will surely be looking to take advantage of a much weakened Arsenal, and are the most likely to take the majority of the points. However, you can never count out Wenger and any group he puts on the pitch as he has the ability to prove you wrong every single time.

I think it will be cagey for the first half with United getting ahead 1-0 around the 30th minute. Arsenal should hold until after the break and despite getting at least one past De Gea I see the Gunners going out 3-1 away to United.

You can read my full match preview from Thursday here.

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Samir Nasri: Manchester City Transfer Saga Finally Comes to a Close

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(Bleacher Report)Nearly two months of constant controversy and speculation surrounding Samir Nasri has finally come to a close in the past few days.

With the French International finally getting his move away from London, he has since been in the news for talking poorly of his old clubs' fans, but he has praised Arsene Wenger.

Manchester City shelled out £25 million to prize the midfielder away from the London club, who will have turned a £9.5 million profit on the player who cost them £15.5 million from Marseille in 2008.

The recently-turned 24-year-old was nothing short of sensational for the majority of his time with Arsenal, and despite all the speculation, he still put in a great shift against Liverpool in the Gunners 2-0 loss last weekend.

It is unknown if Nasri will start in the Citizens Sunday afternoon clash with Tottenham Hotspur, but he will most likely at least get a substitute cameo in front of his new adoring public......CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UPDATES.

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English Premier League Preview: Matchday 3 of the 2011-12 EPL Season

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(Bleacher Report)The Barclay's Premier League heads into its third weekend of action on Saturday. A week of Carling Cup action as well as Champions League qualifying has seen it be an exciting week.

Several of the top-flight teams have already been dumped out of the first major domestic trophy campaign, and it leaves them with more time to focus on securing their place in the top flight for next season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers continue to be the surprise club out of the gates, as they are tied at the top of the table with Manchester United and Manchester City.

Aston Villa, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United all rebounded from opening day draws to secure their first victories of the season, leaving them in the middle at fourth through seventh place standings.

Below that comes all of those that are still to build more than a three-point collection in the first two weekends. Queens Park Rangers' surprise win over Everton sees them higher up than both other promoted clubs. Swansea City got a point against Wigan Athletic, who have failed to beat either of the new sides they have faced in the first two weekends.

Norwich City continue to be the only promoted team to be undefeated, but that is expected to possibly change when they travel to Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

With more transfers having gone through this week, the rosters and possible starting 11s of several teams have changed once again, as I expect to see another weekend with new faces on debut at new clubs.

The 10 matches on display this weekend only have one or two games that are expected to be lopsided, as there is potential for some excellent battles on Saturday and Sunday with most clubs are fairly evenly matched.

That being said, let's get to the previews for this weekends offering of games in Week 3 of the 2011-12 edition of the Barclay's Premier League......CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE ROUND 3 PREVIEWS FOR THE 2011-12 BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE.

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World Football Rumors: Sneijder to Man Utd & 15 Transfers That Haven't Happened

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(Bleacher Report)Hundreds of transfer rumors have come and gone this summer. There has been no lack of excitement built up by fans, only to have their hearts crushed by a move that just did not happen for their club.

So many moves remain on the table, but the majority of the major deals look likely to have been done for the summer.

With only eight more days in the month of August for teams to try and strengthen or recover some of the cash spent through sales, it is now down to the wire.

Regardless, there are rumors going back and forth with some of the biggest possibilities still hanging in the balance. In some cases there might be just enough time for a few more big money dealings to be complete.

That said, lets take a look back at 15 moves that did not happen or are yet to fully materialize into a deal......CLICK TO START THE SLIDESHOW.

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Yoann Gourcuff Could Be Arsenal's Best Bet for Another Frenchman in the Midfield

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(Bleacher Report)If you want to trade apples for apples or Frenchmen for Frenchman, Arsenal could look no further than Olympique Lyonnais 25-year old Yoann Gourcuff. The former AC Milan player found his feet while on loan at Bordeaux in 2008-09 and has been a sensation in Ligue 1 ever since.

He scored 24 goals and provided 26 assists in 95 total appearances for Bordeaux in his two seasons at the club and proved that he was a top class talent. His performances earned him a move to Lyon at the start of last season.

However, his first season at Lyon saw his form drop as he struggled to fit in with his new teammates and only scored four goals and dished out five assists.

With his career in need of a boost Arsene Wenger could possibly get him for a much better price than Modric as he would likely cost around £15 million, which is £10 million less than Modric.

The sticking point for the player could be his remaining four years of contract that could cause the Gunners to try and meet a buyout clause which would most likely see the deal squashed.

Wenger could be the one manager to truly get his young fellow countryman back on his path to success. His proven scoring ability is a need for an Arsenal midfielder as his ability to provide the creativity as well. Gourcuff could be a total package in disguise if Wenger were to go after him.

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Luke Modric to Be Next Traitor of North London Derby as He Could Join Arsenal

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(Bleacher Report)Chelsea look to have filled their midfield void with the impending transfer of Juan Mata from Valencia. The Spaniard should be debuted to the Blues faithful in the coming days and will most likely end the speculation of Luka Modric moving across the City.

However, the ending of one London transfer saga for the Tottenham player could signal the start of another one as Arsenal could possibly look to the Croatian play maker to fill the role of Samir Nasri in the Gunners Line-up.

Much of Arsenal's transfer speculation is hinging on them qualifying for the Champions League. They travel to Udinese on Thursday afternoon, and a loss could end much of their chances at high profile talent while a victory could almost guarantee at least two new signings before the window closes.

Modric still is looking for a way out, and Harry Redknapp has admitted that selling the player could actually strengthen his club in the long run.

The only sticking point could be the price of the 25-year old as Arsene Wenger much prefers value priced talent that he can mold into his squad, but the signing of Modric could take upwards of £25 million out of the believed influx of funds from Cesc Fabregas and possibly Samir Nasri that would total around £60 million.

With another £35 million left over I think it is safe to say that Wenger should splurge on the Croatian if he so chooses as he is one of the possibly long term replacements the Gunners could snag in the remaining days of the window.

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Alberto Aquilani Could Be Great for Arsenal but Milan Are on the Brink

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(Bleacher Report)Liverpool's Alberto Aquilani transfer saga has been in the wings from those surrounding Cesc Fabregas, Luka Modric and Samir Nasri. With him looking destined to make a return to Italy, it is still interesting to look at him as still having more to offer the English Premier League.

His first season in the league for Liverpool was unfairly criticized in many ways. Most fans and pundits alike made him out to be the next Xabi Alonso for the Reds. The problem is that there really is only one Xabi Alonso.

With unfair belief loaded on his back, anything he did that was different than the Reds beloved Spanish playmaker would have done made him a poor signing. However, he had flashes of brilliance in the brief time he actually got to make his claim to a midfield spot.

Rafael Benitez's departure further unsettled the Roman, and new boss Roy Hogdson was quick to ship him off to Juventus on loan when the Reds could really have used him last season alongside Lucas Leiva and Raul Meireles when Steven Gerrard went down.

In total he has only gotten 28 appearances for the Reds with two goals to his name and he has had no time to show his quality now that he is healthy.

Arsene Wenger could take advantage of the highly talented Italian at a cut rate if he wished, and at only 27 years old the Azurri International still has plenty of gas in the tank.

Aquilani also has the age left to grow with Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Alex Song. He could form a lethal partnership with Robin Van Persie as both like to drift between midfield and attack.

That characteristic of the two in combination would possibly ease the problems of no one being in position for Theo Walcott's crosses if Aquilani pushed into the center forward role when RVP had his roving moments backwards.

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