Wenger wants a Flamini replacement, but who will he be?

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

Poll: Who should be Arsenal's skipper next season?

The departure of Gilberto to Panathinaikos cuts down the potential candidates for the captain's armband at Arsenal Football Club.

Incumbent skipper William Gallas didn't exactly lead by example at times last season and even Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is considering appointing a new on-field leader.

With Gilberto now out of the picture I reckon the short list is down to five and I'd love to hear from you lot who you'd like to see marshalling the troops on the pitch during the coming campaign.

The obvious choice from my point of view would be Cesc Fabregas. The young Spaniard is undoubtedly our most creative player and awarding him the armband might go a long way to ensuring the 21-year-old remains a Gunner for many years to come.

Vice captain Kolo Toure is another candidate worthy of the accolade, as he rarely gives anything other than 100% during a game and is now our longest serving player.

I've also included my favourite player, Gael Clichy on the list, as he's been given the skipper's responsibility in both of our pre-season games so far and if you're looking for a role model, then you'd be hard pushed to find a harder working professional than our left back.

And last on the list is Emmanuel Adebayor. I think making him captain would be a huge mistake, but if Wenger wants to keep our top striker and the matter boils down to the Togolese front man's ego, then Thierry Henry's former armband might be a good lure.

But the vote is down to you lot. Click on your favoured candidate - or if you think I've missed anyone off the list, let me know by using our comments section. I'll post up the results here before our game against Burgenland on Monday.

What the papers say: Adebayor to stay?

We're all about making your life easier here at Arsenal Addict, where our team of Addicted editors spend every spare second scrutinising news coverage to make sure you're kept up to date with what's going on at our beloved club. So if you don't have the time to trawl through the UK's national newspapers for Arsenal stories, be sure to check back here where we'll do the work for you.

The Sun - Adebayor: I'm Gunner stay put

EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR fears he has blown his move to Barcelona.

The Times - Arsene Wenger preparing for Eduardo return

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, is hopeful that Eduardo da Silva will make a successful return following his rehabilitation from a broken leg.

The Independent - James Lawton: Wenger betrayed as the last bastion of sanity descends into temple of gloom

Though it is 2000-odd years since the money dealers had their tables turned over in the temple, and only less than a month before the start of a new Premier League season, isn't it surely time for a similar gesture?

The Telegraph - Alexander Hleb: Arsenal are being held back by 'political differences'

Alexander Hleb, the former Arsenal midfielder, added to the growing sense of uncertainty surrounding his old club when he warned that "political differences" were undermining Arsene Wenger's plans for the new season.

The Guardian - Hleb sings praises of Wenger after walking out on Arsenal

Only a brief absence makes the heart grow fonder, in the case of Alexander Hleb. A week after swapping Arsenal for Barcelona - he had reportedly criticised his former team-mate Cesc Fàbregas and Gunners manager Arsène Wenger earlier this month - the Belarus international has offered a firm endorsement of the pair's abilities.

The Daily Mail - Unhappy Hleb hated 'hectic' London life outside the family of Arsenal
Alexander Hleb has thanked Arsene Wenger for helping him win his 'dream' move to Barcelona as he revealed family life was a big factor in his decision to leave Arsenal. 

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