Arsenal: Potential summer transfer targets

<b>Jack Butland</b><br/> There has been much talk about the 19-year old Birmingham shot stopper Jack Butland, with Manchester City and Tottenham also hot on his heels. Joe Hart has been singing this youngster’s praises recently which perhaps helped his selection for the England squad for the Euros. With Arsene Wenger likely to lose both Lucas Fabianski and Manuel Almunia, he is on the look out this summer for an understudy to number one Wojciech Szczesny. Birmingham are in financial trouble and are likely to cash in on one of their prized assets should the right offer come in.

<b>Abou Kader Mangane</b><br/> Abou Kader Mangane is a 29-year old Senegalese centre-back who Wenger has previously shown interest in, and is another potential target heading to the Emirates this summer. Mangane currently playes for Stade Rennais FC and at 6ft 4in is a major physical presence at the back. The defender is also good on the ball and has a no-nonsense attitude towards defending, perhaps something the Gunners need. The big man is thought to cost between £4-5m, and has also been linked with Sunderland and Everton.

<b>Mapou Yanga Mbiwa</b><br/> The 22-year-old Frenchman Mapou Mbiwa captained Ligue 1 side Montpellier to the title this season and was their stalwart in defence. Mbiwa has been on terrific form this year which resulted in a call up to Laurent Blanc’s provisional 25-man squad for the Euro 2012 finals. Unfortunately he was one of the unlucky two to get dropped when the squad was cut to 23. The Montpellier skipper would be a very useful signing for Arsenal, even though Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny looked on form at the end of the season. The Gunners lack any strong back up, especially with the underperforming Johan Djourou set to leave the Emirates this summer. Mbiwa is young, but seems to have a good head on his shoulders, as shown with his league winning leadership. It has been suggested the player would cost in the region of £13m.

<b>Yann M’Vila</b><br/> The 21-year old French midfielder Yann M’Vila would be an ideal signing to accompany Alex Song as a holding midfield player for the Gunners. M’Vila is described by his club, Rennes, as a player who possesses “excellent defensive abilities” and “impressive physical strength”. It helps Wenger that the Frenchman has expressed his interest in Arsenal. “I don’t know what is happening with the clubs, but yes, I would be interested in the Premier League and Arsenal” he is quoted as saying. After the losses of Fabregas and Nasri last season in the midfield, Arsenal need to sign some quality players in the middle of the park if they want to contend for the title this season. Even though the industrious midfielder doesn’t pose much attacking threat, he would be a rock in front of the back four to help solidify the Gunners’ defence and provide a platform for the more attacking players to go from.

<b>Lucas Biglia</b><br/> Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia has claimed that Arsenal are interested in him, and why wouldn’t they be? Playing mainly as a defensive midfielder Biglia has helped Anderlecht to a second consecutive Belgian league title. The 26-year old Argentine is reported to have said that “if a club offers the right price, Anderlecht will let me go”, which is good news for the north London club. The diligent midfielder is probably a second choice signing though behind M’Vila, although at only £8m Wenger may go for the cheaper option.

<b>Junior Hoilett</b><br/> The 22-year old winger Junior Hoilett had his contract expire at Blackburn after their relegation, and Wenger only sees positives in signing the promising talent. In January 2012, Hoilett was named one of the 13 'Players to Watch in 2012' by world football governing body Fifa, and for good reason. The nippy winger was by far and away one of Blackburn’s best players last season and it is understandable that he would want to pursue a career in the Premier League rather than sticking it out with Blackburn in the Championship. Although Arsenal are not short on wingers with Theo Walcott, Gervinho, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain still at the Emirates, Hoilett would be a welcome addition, especially since he is a free agent.

<b>Alan Dzagoev</b><br/> Arsenal are wanting to replace their current Russian winger, Andrei Arshavin, with Alan Dzagoev who is only 22-years old. Dzagoev is an attacking midfielder who can play anywhere across the frontline, usually in behind the striker, which would make him a perfect fit for Wenger’s team. The Russian was in scintillating form at Euro 2012, scoring three goals. CSKA value the player at around £13m but with only six months left on his contract, the Russians may be forced to accept a lower asking price.

<b>Daniel Sturridge</b><br/> Daniel Sturridge is said to be unhappy at his lack of first team football at Stamford Bridge and believes that was the reason for his exclusion from the England squad for Euro 2012. Sturridge has made 15 appearances for the England Under 21 side and scored four goals, making his debut for the senior side against Sweden in November last year. He is well known for his pace, dribbling ability, and his long range shooting, with the 22-year old able to play up front or on the wing. His skills have attracted the attention of Wenger who might be inclined to buy the young forward if Robin van Persie makes an exit this summer.

<b>Solomon Rondon</b><br/> Arsenal are in the hunt for Solomon Rondon in case Van Persie is stolen away from the Emirates, although they need to act fast before Chelsea clinch a deal if reports are to be believed. The 22-year-old Venezuelan has played a huge part in helping Malaga achieve Champions League football next season. The striker would be well suited to the Premier League as he offers a huge physical presence. Rondon made 29 La Liga starts for Malaga last term and hit the back of the net 11 times and assisted four. Of course the Gunners are looking to keep hold of their captain, however Rondon would be a top notch replacement if the Dutchman was to make a move.

<b>Klaas-Jan Huntelaar</b><br/> Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s general manager Hordst Heldt has confirmed that his player has a £17m buy-out clause in his contract, which has put several clubs on red-alert. Huntelaar does have a 20m buyout clause, and the rich club can afford it,' Heldt told Bild. The Dutchman, 28, who has been on Arsenal’s radar for several seasons now, scored 29 times in 32 Bundesliga matches last season as Schalke finished third. The forward is back to his best after disappointing performances at AC Milan and Real Madrid. When he was playing for Ajax the Dutch striker netted 76 in 92 league games for them.