Wenger's Transfer Rumours: 7 Players Most Likely to Join Arsenal This Summer

Arsenal's season is officially futile signifying the Gunner sixth successive season without the satisfaction of silverware. This has ensured fans and critics alike have immediately turned their devoted attention to the up coming Summer Transfer Window, which many believe and hope can be Arsene Wenger's saviour for next season.

The generalization is that the current squad Wenger has the Emirates is simply not suffice to adequately challenge for silverware and rather then rest on the development of the young players, changes need to be enforced rapidly to not only find success but ensure the bigger spending giants do not overtake and dominate the North London giants.

Wenger is notorious for his lack of activity in transfer window. A tentative buyer, the Frenchman is renowned for refusing to spend big on players, preferring to acquire young talent that can be nurtured and developed into fruition at a minimum cost.

At times this has resulted emphatically for the French tactician with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Alexandre Song and Lauren just a few superb examples. However with the demand for success intensifying even more at the Emirates, it is certain Wenger will adopt new transfer methods and spend bigger in order to secure successful signings.

However Arsenal are rarely a threatening side from a transfer point of view and although numerous big name players are linked with a move to the Gunners, few ever materialize. Furthermore with the likes Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham boasting considerable funds, they do have the potential to out muscle Arsenal's potential prospects.

So this slideshow establishes the 7 players likely to join Arsenal this Summer. Do you agree?

A hugely promising prospect, the young defender is rumoured to have already agreed to a undisclosed deal with the Gunners for next season. The 19 year old has established himself as a strong, versatile defender for Charlton Athletic in League One this season and was rumoured to be closely watched by Manchester United.

Capable of playing at right back and as a centre half, the Finland U-19 defender boasts impressive control and speed for his 6ft1 presence alongside admirable aerial ability. Arsenal scouts have spent numerous months analysing the young Addick and a move to the Emirates has become increasingly likely.

Furthermore Wenger will only have to spend a small compensation fund on a player who possess a glistening future.

Many have criticised the Gunner for their inability to cope with the more physical, tougher sides in the English Premier League. Wenger's men endured surprise defeats to Stoke City and Birmingham City throughout the 2010/2011 campaign which highlighted the need for a powerful, defensive minded presence.

Many believe that Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo, who was close to a move to the Emirates two seasons ago, is the ideal enforcer Arsenal require in their midfield. After shunning the Gunners for a £21 million move to Italian giants Juventus in 2009 from Fiorentina, the Brazilian international has failed to establish a premium amount of playing time for in the Serie A but has begun to show impressive form this season.

It is evident the 27 year old desires to join the English Premier League with Arsenal said to be his ideal club. However Juventus spent a strong sum of £21 million for their defensive midfielder and are destined to ask for a solid sum.

But there is no denying the Samba stars ability and physical approach which despite boasting a poor disciplinary record, could eradicate the lack of strength the Arsenal midfield occasionally endures.

With Nicklas Bendtner enduring a disappointing season in which Robin van Persie's superb form has restricted the Danish sharpshooters impact, the Arsenal striker has grown frustrated with Wenger and is set to depart the Emirates this Summer.

Although the move is not certain, it has grown increasingly likely in recent weeks after the 23 year old expressed his annoyance of constantly receiving little playing time, which is predominantly on his left favoured position of the wing.

With the matter still unclear, a number of quality strikers have emerged as replacements with Lille striker Gervinho a tantalizing option. The Ivorian, who has enjoyed a stellar season with French giants Lille who are destined to take out the 2010/2011 Ligue One crown, is a huge fan of the Gunners and is eager to secure a move to the Premier League.

A quick, efficient striker, the Ivory Coast international harbours desires to grace UEFA Champions League football too and is not the most expensive prospect either.

The Frenchman is said to be held in high regard by Arsene Wenger and with the Gunners boasting a strong relationship with the strikers club Lorient FC, Arsenal have the ability to utilize loan spells as part of their move for Gameiro.

The 24 year old has had a superb season in the French League amassing 21 goals in 36 games for Lorient FC. With Andrei Arshavin's future also uncertain, Gameiro emerges as a prime replacement for the Russian dynamo but regardless could still arrive at the Emirates.

The French international is also keen to secure a move to the EPL and has the ambition to play UEFA Champions League football and due to Wenger's admiration for the striker and his ability to thrive under Wenger's style of play, a move could be imminent.

The PSG captain, who made his debut for the French side as a 17 year old, has long been chased and touted with a move to Arsenal and for good reason. Considered as one of the strongest centre halves in France, the 21 year old boasts over 130 appearances for PSG and international recognition whilst also possessing great leadership ability.

A tough, quick defender, Sakho is still immensely young yet is renowned for his mature, composed defensive play. Equally capable in the air, the Frenchman fills all the boxes as a premium Arsenal signing. It is believed that Wenger will enforce a strong bid for the young leader in hopes that the prospect of playing UEFA and Premier League football alongside Wenger will be enough to tempt Mamadou Sakho.

Defenders are the priority this Summer and Jan Vertonghen has long been voiced as the perfect and effective central defensive signing. Wenger acquired Thomas Vermaelen in 2009 from Dutch giants Ajax for £10 million and in his first season the Belgium conveyed superb defensive prowess, finishing the season with 45 appearances, 8 goals and a place in the PFA Team of the Year alongside being named one of the Arsenal Player of the Season.

Vertonghen is incredibly similar to Vermaelen. To duo formed an impressive partnership at Ajax before Vermaelen departed and the pair are also the main defensive pairing for the Belgium national side. The 24 year old has over 170 appearances for Ajax and has enjoyed a stellar 2010/2011.

For some time now the Belgium international has been linked with the Gunners and although Manchester City are rumoured to be preparing an audacious bid for the defender, it is believed Vertonghen's preference should he depart the Dutch League, is Arsenal.

Wenger has heavily linked with Christopher Samba during the recent January transfer window but a deal failed to materialize. However it is no secret the imposing Congolese defender is eager to depart Blackburn for Arsenal after the 27 year old revealed his disappointment of the failure to move to the Emirates.

Samba is a strong defensive option for the Gunners as the DR Congo international boasts one of the most powerful frames in the English Premier League at 6ft5 and has over 140 appearances in World Football's toughest league.

The former Hertha Berlin centre half has the physical ability to immediately eradicate Arsenal's defensive problems from set pieces and corners alongside coping with the stronger strikers in the EPL.

It is certain Samba will depart Ewood Park this Summer and with Arsenal his destination of choice the move appears increasingly likely however Steve Kean is set to demand a large amount for the African giant which may diminish Wenger's interest.