Although all eyes have been on a wonderful 2014 World Cup packed with high quality, end-to-end football, every Premier League are working hard behind the scenes to prepare themselves for the upcoming 2014/2015 season.
It could be an important summer for Arsenal who came so close to winning the title last season, but ultimately lacked the quality and durability to sustain their dominance at the summit.
Arsene Wenger has often came under criticism for failing to be active in the transfer market and address Arsenal’s problems, with injuries and suspensions exposing a relatively thin squad.
Qualifying for the Champions League for the 17th consecutive season should be a considerable selling point for Arsenal to attract big name players to the club to remain competitive.
This has become all the more important due to the fact that Arsenal’s closest challengers have already been active in the transfer market, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United spending big amounts of money to improve their respective squads.
Acquiring some star players could improve Arsenal’s odds with Betsafe and ensure they continue to compete with the big spenders.
Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean star has enjoyed a wonderful World Cup campaign with performances which further demonstrate the quality he provides for club and country.
An impressive debut season at Barcelona may not be enough for Alexis to remain at the Nou Camp, with many clubs across Europe keepings tabs on his situation as Luis Enrique may look to sell the pacey winger-cum-striker.
Signing Alexis should be seen as a coup for Arsenal who would secure a top quality player that would not only add more pace and creativity going forward, but also offer much-needed support for Olivier Giroud who, alongside Yaya Sanogo, is the only striker currently on the Gunners’ books.
Mathieu Debuchy
Losing Bacary Sagna to Manchester City has created a considerable void at right back which Arsene Wenger must address if Arsenal are to retain their defensive solidity. Although Carl Jenkinson is a dependable defender who has shown impressive progress, he is the only recognised right-back at the club.
Arsenal continues to be strongly linked with a move for Toulouse’s Serge Aurier, but it appears they have turned their attentions to Mathieu Debuchy. Newcastle would loathe losing one of their star assets, with the Frenchman enjoying a good debut season in the North East and is currently keeping Sagna out of the French team during the 2014 World Cup.
Debuchy’s ability to foray forward would fit perfectly into Arsenal’s system, but it may require a considerable transfer fee to persuade Newcastle to sell their star right back.
Mario Balotelli
Mercurial as he is controversial, Mario Balotelli is a livewire on and off the pitch. The Italy and AC Milan star carries a certain persona that may appear arrogant to some, but also symbolises the belief in his own ability as one of the best strikers in Europe.
Barbara Belusconi’s recent comments that Balotelli is not ‘irreplaceable’ have sparked rumours that the striker could be sold by AC Milan following a disappointing season in Serie A.
Arsenal may have to pay a considerable transfer fee to get their man, but Balotelli would represent an excellent signing that could make the all-important difference between finishing fourth and first.