We would normally decline, but it intrigued us the fact that every e-mail, comment and tweet was asking about a different player.
We started, collecting all those names you’ve sent us, and believe me at one point or another we had over 40 names in file.
How did it work? Well, we kept the names you sent us, then used our contacts inside clubs (some in the UK, some in Europe) to see if there was anything, as we did this, some of our contacts added other names, and the list kept growing.
Arsene said that to Arsenal it was important to win the title, but mandatory to qualify for the Champions League.
We have talked to many people inside and outside of the club, and most told us that the Manager thought he had enough at his disposal to achieve UCL qualification, and he was looking at big squad changes but in the summer.
Judging by yesterday’s result, and looking at what is ahead where Chelsea (5 points ahead of Arsenal), it is clear that it is all still wide open, and still too early to make conclusions.
But it is also clear that not paying attention to Newcastle or Liverpool, behind both London teams, could be a huge mistake, as they can’t be discounted as contenders just yet.
We believe that even the most stubborn and confident of managers would have thought that the squad is not as strong as he thought.
So just in case that Wenger does make that reality check and changes his mind about signing some players in January, we have looked at all the names we had on file, and
we downsized it to a “starting XI” of targets, we believe are a possibility. Then we profile them and give our verdict.
Stefanos Kapino (17, GK, Panathinaikos, Greek)
It has already been capped by Greece, this young keeper has a great future, and could be a good addition if development in London helps him grow. At 6ft 6” is ideal for his position. Verdict: Maybe, January (65%)
Luke Shaw (16, LB, Southampton, English)
As you will see with the players that we have listed here, the pattern is to get a LB. Luke Shaw, has not even made his Southampton debut yet, but it has shown lots of ability whilst on duty with England’s U17. Promises a good future, maybe a player to buy and be loaned out. It will not solve immediate problems though. Verdict: Yes, in the summer (80%)
Jeremy Mathieu (28, LB, Valencia, French)
Very versatile player, one Wenger has been watching for a while. He can also play as a DM and LW, so it offers options in a side needing them. Only problem is that at his age and after he has been followed for so long, the question that arises is why now?
He has been capped once by France in 2011, and is on the up. His contract run out in 2012, which makes it appealing to both clubs and the player to search for a move.
Verdict: Maybe, January (70%)
Jordi Alba (22, LB, Valencia, Spanish)
Recently capped by Spain, for two EURO 2012 games, as a reward for his outstanding form for Valencia.
He, like Mathieu, is also versatile and the combination between them has worked really well for the La Liga team.
When one is attacking the other is covering, and viceversa, reating one of the best tandems in the league. Valencia unlikely to let him go cheaply.
Verdict: Doubtful (40%)
Mathieu Valbuena (27, AM, Marseille, French)
A very good, quick, agile, skilful midfielder. Good vision, and reads the game very well.
The “little bike” as he is nicknamed (small in size, quick, and also Marseille is called Stade Velodrome)
After a tumultuous start with current Manager Didier Deschamps, he slowly proved to be too good to be left on the bench by his Manager, who backed down and made him a regular starter, in a show of confidence and quality.
He was part of the French National Side that played in the 2010 orld Cup, and has been part of the squad ever since.
He will not come cheap, but plays in a position, Arsene is looking to strengthen.
Verdict: Doubtful (40%)
Keisuke Honda (25, AM, CSKA Moscow, Japanese)
A fantastic player, when motivated, can also play in behind striker, or as a help in midfield. He has a sweet foot for dead ball situations and long passes.
His contract runs until December 2013, but a swap with Arshavin may be a possibility.
A regular for the Japanese international side since 2008, a work permit should not be an issue.
Verdict: Maybe, January (70%)
Hernanes (26, MO, Lazio, Brazilian)
Very much on the Honda style of player, maybe a little bit more consistent. His form for Lazio has dipped a bit as of late, but still remains a threat from dead ball situations and for his creativity.
As with Honda’s situation, Lazio showed some interest in Arshavin, raising hope of involving the diminutive Russian playmaker in the deal. However our contact in Rome, says it is very doubtful that Lazio will swap Hernanes at the moment for anyone.
With only 6 caps for his country since 2008, and the failure to live up to his most promising player in the world a few years ago, we have placed him as second to Honda on our list.
Verdict: Doubtful (40%)
Rickie Lambert (29, ST, Southampton, English)
He has impressed with his seamless transition from division 1 to the Championship, helping his side top the table, and scoring goals.
It may be a gamble, but as short term it may work. Surrounded by higher quality players, he may soon score important goals. He has been valued at a very high £5m, but maybe with the chance to negotiate and take a couple of millions off, he may be a surprise signing in January.
Verdict: Maybe (60%)
M’Baye Niang (17, WST, Caen, French)
One for the future, certainly. He is the kind of young player Wenger likes and has signed in the past (Walcott, Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain) He is strong, fast, skilfull, who can play in wider areas. He has only played 24 top team games so far scoring 4 times.
Verdict: Doubtful January (40%) Probable summer (70%)
Roberto Soldado (26, ST, Valencia, Spain)
A dream player over the last season and a half, not yet recognised by the Spanish National Manager who only called him up twice so far.
He has been a scoring machine for Valencia, with his great positioning and immaculate finishing.
The Mestalla team, is on need of money, and he is one of its best assets.
He has been courted by RM and other top teams, which is something Wenger does not like. He hates bidding wars, and this is certain to be one.
Verdict: Unlikely (30%)
Alvaro Morata (19, ST, Real Madrid)
Very prolific at the second string team of Real Madrid (Real Madrid B), has been promoted to the senior side where he has so far made 1 appearance.
He is unhappy with the way the team are developing him, and has fallen out with the board and management team over it.
He is not one to save Arsenal this season, but he has the ability to become a top player. There is no better time for Arsenal to get their hands on this rare opportunity.
Verdict: Maybe (55%)
There are many other players linked with the club (i.e. Leandro Damiao), but anything that we deemed to be below 30 percent has not figured here. Clubs are sometimes very good at deceiving people, and we may have fallen for their tactics in some cases.
We are not infallible; we have reached conclusions by talking, studying, listening and analysing what our contacts inside different clubs have told us.
There are, surely many more players that are being watched but still unknown to us.
As usual, we are open to debate, as long as it is respectful and within the website’s guidelines. Feel free to post your comments. And as much as we can, we will answer and update anything we get.