Arsenal Transfer Prospects: 8 Deals Arsene Wenger May Look to Make This Summer

The English Premier League has come to a halt this week due to the commencement of internationals and Euro 2012 qualifiers. The short period would either come as a welcome relief or a frustrating diversion of focus from the compelling task at hand for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The Arsenal tactician has endured a horror month which saw the Gunners defeated in the Carling Cup final by Birmingham City, eliminated from the UEFA Champions League fourth round and FA Cup quarterfinals by Barcelona and Manchester United, and lose sufficient ground on first-place United in the English Premier League to leave the North London giants five points off the top of the table.

To cap it off, key players Cesc Fabregas, Johan Djourou and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny all succumbed to injury.

With the need for the Gunners to diminish their notorious five-season trophy drought at an all-time high, fans and critics alike have pointed the finger at Wenger as his team are only left in one competition. During their recent demise, Arsenal's lack of depth was made glaringly obvious as fringe players and deputies failed to enforce the necessary impact of their injured counterparts.

In a frantic period where games come thick and fast for a side like Arsenal due to their consistent involvement in the later stages of Cup competitions, a side aiming to succeed needs quality replacement of high calibre.

On paper it appears that way, but unfortunately no such transfer was made in the mindsets of players. Thus the case there has now been an intense increase of demand from the Arsenal faithful for Wenger to implement changes into his youthful squad.

Many feel the Frenchman has relied upon the prospects of cheap youngsters, who Wenger nurtures and develops before exposing them to the tough English football, for too long now, and need to finally utilize the evident funds to secure the services of quality players in order to break the silverware absence.

With this in mind, here are eight deals Wenger can look to make in the upcoming transfer window.

Wenger finally came to his senses and realised that he was hurting the development of Mexican striker Carlos Vela by consistently overlooking the 22-year-old for first-team selection, and in January loaned him out to West Bromwich Albion in order for Vela to finally play consistently.

Apart from a glistening hat trick against Sheffield United in the League Cup in 2008, the Mexican international has enjoyed little else whilst at the Emirates bar a handful of EPL and UEFA Champions League appearances here and there.

His 62 appearances, 43 of which were substitute appearances, in three seasons of football have brought about 11 goals for Vela, which highlights the lack of opportunity that Wenger has offered the young striker. Vela has only ever started three times in the EPL for Arsenal despite the early-season demise of Andrei Arshavin and the consistent injuries to the likes of Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie.

The former Guadalajara sharpshooter has been the most prolific, in terms of goals and fixtures, in the League Cup with seven starts from nine appearances and five goals. However, predominantly Wenger utilized reserves and teenagers in the League Cup.

Unfortunately his January loan spell hasn't helped either. After a bright start, West Bromwich Albion sacked Robert Di Matteo as manager in February and appointed former Fulham and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson as the new manager of the Baggies.

Hodgson's defensive style of play has limited the opportunities for Vela despite scoring two last-minute equalizers. Vela has only made a mere four appearances, thee from the substitutes bench.

There is no denying the Mexican is a talented, promising prospect who if given the opportunity could thrive at the Emirates. It's unlikely Vela will return to Wenger and be given immediate playing time next season regardless of departures.

However, rather than sell the young gun, who at 22 still has time on his side, Wenger could send Vela on a season-long loan to the La Liga, where Vela's attacking flair is better suited. A number of clubs pursued the signature of 5'10" forward during January, which would enable Wenger to have no problem in finding a club.

Since Wenger's era began in 1996, Arsenal have always been renowned for their immaculate youngsters who surge through their academy and reserve sides. The last few years have seen an alarmingly large increase in young guns ensuring an increase in loan spells.

Currently there are 16 Arsenal youths away on loan, predominantly in England's lower leagues and some in various parts of Europe.

There is nothing wrong with boasting such an array of young talent, but realistically it is hard to envision the majority of these teenagers ever breaking into the Arsenal first team squad and maintaining a permanent role.

That said, it is time for Wenger to release a number of his young guns to allow them to truly blossom in the lower leagues of England.

A number that are destined for the exit out of North London are:

Mark Randall: The 21-year-old has been at Arsenal from a young age, progressing through the academy. The English midfielder has amassed 13 appearances in all competitions since making his debut in 2006. Despite showing promising signs, Randall has endured a slow spell with League Two side Rotherham which is set to signify his end at Arsenal.

Rhys Murphy: The 20-year-old striker has had his development curtailed by injury in recent years, and after an annonymous loan spell with Brentford last season, the prospect of Murphy ever appearing for Arsenal is very low. He's a quick, efficient striker who could thrive in years to come in League One and Championship level.

Gavin Hoyte: It would be harsh to say Hoyte was an underperforming youngster after impressing at Lincoln City this season before a recent season-ending knee injury. However, it is unlikely the 20-year-old will want to continue playing in the reserves, which he once captained, after this season.

Gilles Sunu: The powerful Frenchman has been prolific for the Gunners reserves but the strike power at Arsenal is strong and deep, which ensures Sunu is unlikely to receive a prominent chance in the first team. A number of French sides have expressed interest in the 19-year-old, and Sunu has impressed whilst on loan with French side Lorient FC since January.

Although there may be some Arsenal youngsters set for exits, a number have been more than impressive with the reserves or whilst on loan spells, which has the Gunners in a good position for the future. Amongst the 16 currently on loan there are four currently standing out as definite first-team prospects for next season.

1. Henri Lansbury

The 20-year-old began the season in emphatic style, scoring his first professional Arsenal goal against rivals Tottenham in the League Cup. However since joining Championship side Norwich City, the English midfielder has gone from strength to strength, thriving with the Canaries.

In 15 appearances Lansbury has been more than impressive conveying admirable strength, passing calibre and a handy shot that resulted in four goals. Since the introduction of Lansbury in November, Nowrich have been the form side in the Championship and look destined for promotion in the Premier League next season.

2. Kyle Bartley

The powerful defender was named reserve team captain last season before making his debut for the Gunners in the UEFA Champions League. During the second half of last term, the 19-year-old enjoyed a solid loan spell with Sheffield United before returning to the Blades at the beginning of this season until January.

Bartely was a strong, consistent presence for the Championship side despite the poor form they exhibited. The Englishman was then sent to Scottish giants Rangers in January in a bid to really show what he could do at a high level.

Bartely has been excellent in the Scottish League and even better in the UEFA Cup. Many believe the Englishman is the answer to Arsenal's central defensive woes.

3. Pedro Botelho

It has been a long wait for Pedro Botelho, who since signing with Arsenal in 2008 from Brazilian side Figueirense has been consistently denied work permit for England, ensuring Wenger being forced to loan him out for the past three seasons.

The left back/left winger has enjoyed spells with Spanish Segunda sides UD Salamanca, Celta Vigo and now Cartagena. Each spell the 21-year-old has been a consistent presence, commanding up to 30 appearances a season. This season, Botelho has been a superb force with Cartagena and fans hope he can finally make his long-awaited debut next season for Arsenal.

4. Ryo Miyaichi

The Japanese import signed with Arsenal in January after an impressive trial in during the summer. After being a dominant force in the Japanese High School League, Miyaichi has boosted his reputation further with some superb displays with Dutch giants Feyenoord, who he joined on loan February.

In seven appearances the 18-year-old has shown outstanding speed, balance and attacking prowess, and with the likes of Andrei Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky enduring lapses in form, Miyaichi looks more than capable to step up next season.

Thanks to the maturity of Lukasz Fabianski and the general quality of Wojciech Szczesny, Arsenal's goalkeeping conundrum was not the main liability for the Gunners, or one of the main threats to their title demise. No, the Arsenal central defence was easily Arsenal's major weakness so far this season, largely thanks to poor purchasing from Arsene Wenger.

After offloading William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos during the summer, the North London giants were left short on numbers in the central defence. With Thomas Vermaelen and the returning Johan Djourou the only notable centre halves, Wenger signed Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny to strengthen the Arsenal back line.

The French duo had never played in the English Premier League prior. Although Koscielny has enjoyed a strong season, as well as forming a formidable partnership with Johan Djourou, the season-ending Achilles injury to Thomas Vermaelen in August coupled with the general poor form of Sebastien Squillaci mean Arsenal just haven't boasted a central defensive roster capable of succeeding in the likes of the EPL and UEFA Champions League.

However, Wenger will have the chance to spend in the upcoming summer, which will be vital for the Gunners. It is important Wenger implements a tough, English presence, that boasts experience in world football's toughest league.

Two defenders who have been consistently strong for their respective sides are Bolton's Gary Cahill and Birmingham City's Roger Johnson.

Gary Cahill was chased by the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham during the recent summer, but opted to stay with Owen Coyle's Bolton. The 25-year-old is touted as one of the best defenders in the English Premier League, which ensures a heavy price from Bolton but nothing out of Wenger's range.

Johnson is one of the quiet achievers of the Premier League who takes an admirable, no-nonsense approach to football. Birmingham's defensive engine and leader would implement much-needed physicality into the Arsenal back line.

French players often thrive at Arsenal. With Wenger, a renowned French tactician, and a high number of French presences in the Arsenal squad, it's no surprise that most of Wenger's signings are French or of French descent.

One Frenchman who has been a clinical presence in the French league this season is Lorient FC striker Kévin Gameiro. The small yet efficient forward has secured a more-than-impressive 17 goals in 26 appearance for his French side, and many believe the 23-year-old will thrive in the Premier League.

With majority of Arsenal's strikers, tall, imposing powerful players, Gamerio would instill a much-needed poacher effect to the Gunners' attack, as well as speed and composure in front of goal. With Andrei Arshavin's future uncertain, the Frenchman would be a strong replacement, and with Arsenal boasting an even stronger relationship with Lorient FC, a more-than-useful deal would almost certain to carved out as the French side enjoy utilizing Arsenal's youngsters on loan.

 

The triumph of Arsenal's invicinbles side in 2003/2004, in which Wenger's side went through the whole Premier League season unbeaten, has only Gael Clichy left in the current Arsenal squad. The only other notable trophy winner at Arsenal is Cesc Fabregas, whose success has come with country Spain in Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.

The lack of winning mentality and compusre is obviously a factor after the Gunners' dismal League Cup performance against Birmingham City. Wenger needs to secure the services of an experienced winner whose exploits in the Premier League will aid and develop this young Arsenal side.

Re-signing Sol Campbell as defensive cover or the former greats Patrick Vieira, who captained the 2003/2004 side, or Theirry Henry as coaches or covers is certainly an option.

Arguably the pick of the season for Arsenal has been the newfound consistency of French dynamo Samir Nasri. A refreshed Nasri has become arguably one of the best attacking midfielders in world football with displays of amazing feet, sharpness, passing and solo goals.

In 38 appearances the 23-year-old has 14 goals, equal on the top with Robin van Persie on the Arsenal scoring list.

The Frenchman's contract issues with Arsenal have also been a running debate since the beginning of the season. With Nasri's contract at the Emirates expiring at the end of next season, Wenger is keen for the former Marseille playmaker to sign a long-term contract but the French star has been tentative to put pen to paper.

Nasri's form has been noted by Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan to say the least. With the 23-year-old so eager to attain trophies and success it is important Wenger ties Nasri to a long-term deal.

Injuries have been arguably the biggest factor in Arsenal's lack of silverware. The last few seasons have seen Arsenal enjoy impressive runs until mass injuries begin to occur, effectively diminishing the Arsenal season.

What's worse is that most appear to be recurrence of injuries or that at times players have been rushed back into too quickly. Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott have all been victims of consistent injuries in recent years and now someone has to point a finger at the medical staff.

Arsenal's head physio is Colin Lewin, whilst David Wales and Simon Harland are assistants. Gary O'Driscoll is the current club doctor, and Tony Colbert is the fitness coach. All have overseen Arsenal's colossal injury list yet injuries keep occurring on a consistent basis to what appears to be a similar list of players.

It would not hurt Wenger to invest in a new medical team if the Arsenal trophy drought continues.