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Arsenal Transfer News: Arsenal Reportedly Interested in Victor Wanyama

Dan Talintyre@@dantalintyreX.com LogoSenior Analyst IIAugust 3, 2012

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 18:  Victor Wanyama of Celtic tackles Garry Hay (R) of Kilmarnock during the Scottish Communities League Cup Final between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Hampden Park on March 18, 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland.  (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Arsenal have been linked with another midfielder over the summer transfer window—this time it's Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama.

The Gunners already appear destined to land Spanish international Santi Cazorla after the player had his medical at the London club and, according to latest reports, Arsenal are considering Wanyama as another addition to their midfield for the upcoming English Premier League season.

Arsenal are considering Celtic's Victor Wanyama as a replacement should Barcelona make a substantial bid for Alexandre Song. Scouts from Arsenal and Manchester United have watched the Kenyan, 21, in action.

Wanyama has voiced his frustration at being played in defense rather than defensive midfield. He is keen to move to England [and] Celtic want around £7 million.

As mentioned in the report, Wanyama would be a replacement for current midfielder Alex Song, who is being chased by Spanish giants Barcelona about a potential move over the summer transfer window, despite having two years left on his contract.

Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova has sought the approval of staff and players to try to lure Song to La Liga for the upcoming season as they try to win the domestic title back off rivals Real Madrid.

With the loss of Seydou Keita already this summer, Song is touted as a great transfer prospect and is viewed by Barca players as a fantastic possible addition to the club (via The Daily Mail).

Should a move go through with Camp Nou, Arsenal then could use the funds to purchase Wanyama from Celtic—most likely making a healthy profit along the way.

Having said that, it seems that the Gunners are only interested in the 21-year-old should they find themselves down a midfielder for the upcoming season, and they'll face still competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United for his signature.

Wanyama is a solid midfielder who would hold the Gunners midfield together well, allowing the attacking players around him to thrive. He also provides cover in defense if needed, though as stated before, he doesn't want to play in defense long term.

At just £8 million, the Kenyan midfielder could be a great addition for Arsenal this summer. Manager Arsene Wenger should pull the trigger on this one—regardless of what happens with Song—because as we saw last season, the Gunners can find themselves lacking depth in their squad.

Wanyama would be the fourth key signing of the summer should he make a move to the Emirates—joining Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski and Cazorla—and could keep the Gunners in the hunt for a top-four spot in the English Premier League this season.

Is Victor Wanyama worth spending the money on this summer?

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