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Arsenal Transfer News: Why Arsenal Is Best Place for Clint Dempsey

Jon Siddoway@@JSiddowayX.com LogoCorrespondent IJune 5, 2012

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04:  Fulham's Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring his second goal and Fulham's fifth goal of the match during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on March 4, 2012 in London, England.  (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)
Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Clint Dempsey, arguably America's top footballer, is accomplishing a rare feat. He's succeeding both on the international stage and in the English Premier League. And fans—along with major clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United—are taking notice. 

Nowadays, just mentioning Dempsey is like walking down a high school hallway. All you hear are rumors and more rumors—with a little gossip sprinkled in.

The forward is fresh off a career year for Fulham—where he netted 23 total goals in all competition—and has been linked to several teams. But a deal has yet to be made.  

"I don't get caught up in that because until somebody is putting down some money it doesn't matter," Dempsey said in an exclusive interview with FOX Soccer. "If teams are really interested, they need to put their money with their mouth is and make an offer."

That's Dempsey-talk for "Show me the money!"

Expect the following three teams to take out their mighty checkbooks—though a shiny black briefcase stuffed with cash would be more dramatic—to do just that. 

Chelsea

Let's begin with the least likely destination. Chelsea, after adding Eden Hazard, has a wealth of talent, leaving little room for Dempsey. He may be an option, however, if the Blue fail to land Hulk or Falcao this summer. 

Liverpool

Now we're getting warmer. It's no secret that Brendan Rodgers has his eyes on Dempsey who, in return, has his eyes on competing in the Champions League. Though Liverpool may not provide that right away, they are moving in the right direction.

Arsenal

This is the ideal landing spot for two major reasons.

For one, Arsenal needs him. The club has little offensive firepower behind Robin Van Persie and would be wise to pursue the 29-year-old. 

Dempsey also needs them. He has never played next to a talent like Van Persie, who himself netted 30 goals for the Gunners, and has never appeared in a Champions League. We call that a two-birds-with-one-stone scenario. 

There remains the possibility—albeit, a slim one—he stays in Fulham or darts elsewhere, but Arsenal, at this point, is the best place for this American footballer.

What do you think?