Arsenal Addict

Arsene Wenger has hinted that he will sign “one player certainly, maximum of two” during the transfer window, with a midfielder high on his agenda.

The loss of Mathieu Flamini and now Gilberto leaves a gaping hole in the current shape of the Arsenal formation and while Abou Diaby and Denilson may be able to fill in, both players are a little injury prone, so it’s likely that the defensive midfield slot is the one Le Boss wants to find a new recruit for.

Wenger claims he does not have a specific target in mind, but I find that very difficult to believe and, of course, the newspapers are linking us with a big money move for Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry.

I’m sceptical about that move too, as Arsene doesn’t like splashing the cash when he knows his scouts can source bargain basement players that can be developed into finished article and, more importantly for Le Prof and his coaches, can play in the Arsenal way.

“If we find a reasonable target then we will do it. But there is no special name on the list," Wenger said after Tuesday’s friendly in Hungary.

Referring to the need for a midfielder, he added, “We will need one more body in there. At the moment we do not have Alex Song who is going to the Olympic games, Abou Diaby was not here tonight and nor was Fabregas.”

But hinting that he will not be rushed into signing a Flamini replacement, he noted, “We have some time. We have until August 31.”

So if it isn’t going to be Gareth Barry, who else could the Gunners be looking at? French 21-year-old Amaury Bishoff claimed he was on his way to Arsenal last month, but nothing has come of that and the Werder Bremen player is now out of contract.

But can you think of anyone else that Wenger might want to consider for the Flamster role? Then share your knowledge here using our comments section