The headquarters for Arsenal’s transfer rumors seems to be located somewhere in Germany, with four players from Die Mannschaft garnering speculation of a move to the Emirates:
Mario Gotze
Mario Gotze is the most significant player linked with Arsenal. The 19 year-old German international is one of the biggest prospects in world football. Borrussia Dortmund have already declared there is no chance Gotze will be leaving the club in January, as they are 2nd in the Bundesliga table and still fighting to advance from the Champion’s League group stage. BvB management has said that if Mario were to leave in the summer, the bidding would start at £20million.
The attacking midfielder has been in fine form this season, tallying 5 goals and 7 assists in 16 matches spanning all competitions. A January move looks unlikely, but Arsenal could be buying their next star this summer if Arsene wins the bidding for this sensation.
Marco Reus
Marco Reus of Borrussia Monchengladbach is also on Arsene’s radar. Former AFC keeper Jens Lehmann told Wenger that he cannot miss out on Marco’s talent, and since Arsene has inquired about Reus’ availability. The 22 year-old wing-forward has been on fire in 2011, scoring 7 league goals in 9 matches and earning a call up to the German senior squad. He has a buy-out clause of nearly £15.5million, so Arsene may pull the trigger to acquire some talented cover for Robin van Persie.
Kevin Grosskreutz
Kevin Grosskreutz, the 23 year-old winger from Dortmund, placed himself on Arsenal’s transfer radar by proclaiming his admiration for Arsenal. “I would like to go to the Premier League in England, and my favourite club there is Arsenal,” Grosskreutz exclaimed in an October interview. The winger has scored 3 goals in 9 league games this year. He’s also regarded as a major prospect in Europe, earning his first senior cap this past May. The winger may desire a move to the Emirates, but his contract with Dortmund runs until July 2014. So, he won’t come on the cheap, and at a price similar to Reus’ buyout clause, Arsene inevitably will pass on Grosskreutz.
Lukas Podolski
Lukas Podolski is the final German heavily linked to Arsenal. In response to the rumors, German manager Joachim Low declared, “Lukas should be plying his trade for one of Europe’s top clubs. He’s been in fine form and is good enough to play for Arsenal.” A move to Arsenal might gain favor from Low, but it remains to be seen if FC Koln will feel the same way about selling their 26 year-old hitman. Undoubtedly, Koln will want to cash in on their prized asset, who has scored 43 times for the German national team in 94 appearances. His club career has not gone as well as when he plays for his country, but 9 goals in 11 Bundesliga matches so far this year speaks for itself.
If Arsene can talk down Koln’s £20million asking price, Mertesacker might have a fellow countryman to don the Gunners shirt with.
Verdict:
Marco Reus seems the most likely to make Arsenal his new home. His age, skill set, and reasonable price tag suggest he could match up with Arsene’s precise transfer criteria. It remains to be seen if any of the above will come to North London, but the linkage to German internationals is extremely promising for a resurgent Arsenal.
