Arsenal’s transfer dealings for the summer have begun in earnest with news striker Gonzalo Higuain is set to secure a £22m move to the Emirates by the end of the week.
The Real Madrid forward, who scored 18 goals last season, is said to want a new challenge away from La Liga and the Gunners could certainly do with a fresh face up front to bolster their attacking line.
Gervinho is reportedly attracting interest from Marseille and Marouane Chamakh is likely to leave the club this summer; that leaves Olivier Giroud as Arsene Wenger’s only out-and-out centre forward, meaning there’s room for Higuain to slip in comfortably.
If football betting punters are to be convinced of Arsenal’s title credentials, however, the Gunners need to strengthen their core and while no bid has yet been sent for Everton’s Marouane Fellaini Wenger has tabled a £2.5m offer for Le Havre left-back Benjamin Mendy.
Mendy, a France U19 international, has played a major role at the Ligue 2 club over the past season and is out of contract next summer, so Wenger probably thinks he can get him on the cheap. However, Le Havre are likely to hold out for a £5m bid – they’d rather keep the 18-year-old and push for promotion next term – so Arsenal must double their offer to begin talks.
This transfer window has promised much for fans keen to see Arsenal challenge for the Premier League and although Wenger hasn’t yet splashed any of his reported £70m hoard there is still time.
The squad reconvene for preseason training soon and we can expect a few more additions before the campaign begins in August. For those wondering how to bet on football, backing Arsenal for a trophy this season is a good start, while they are healthy favourites to qualify for the Champions league group stage.