With Barcelona once again declaring any movement for Fabregas is dead and buried, one can only assume that they are organizing a bid as we speak. The Spanish giant has been trying in vain to prize the Arsenal playmaker back to his spiritual home for years and with Xavi not getting any younger their desire for Fabregas can only be fermenting rather than floundering.
Even with such talent as Wilshere and Song, the huge fee demanded by Arsenal would give Wenger the license to make an uncharacteristically expensive signing in order to attempt to fill the void left by the Gunner’s talisman. So, in no particular order, let’s have a look at the talent on offer:
1. Jordan Henderson
Sunderland’s young player of the year has gone from strength to strength in the past two years after impressing on loan at Coventry. With Man United’s interest public knowledge along with a reported “host” of clubs keeping tabs on the 20 year old it would be optimistic to say that he will still be at Sunderland come the start of next season.
Described by FIFA as “composed, athletic and powerful” he was listed in their 2011 shortlist of 13 players to watch. A tireless performer he can also be utilized on the right side of midfield but prefers to play through the centre. A perfect candidate for Arsenal’s coaching staff with their tremendous record of cultivating young talent.
He’s struggling with form as of late but there is no doubt that the old cliché rings true when it’s said of Henderson that his class is permanent. The problems arise with the transfer fee Sunderland would demand – rumoured to be north of £20 million. The endemic inflation in value of domestic talent within teams of the same league may prove too much of a stumbling block for Wenger’s frugal personality as well as the lack of Champions League experience.
Continue to page 2 to see who else made the list
Aaron Ramsey.