Arsene Wenger has made it clear that he wants to sign three players this summer and with the signing of Granit Xhaka transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach, the French coach is shifting his attention from the midfield to other areas of the team that are still begging for improvements.
The reports from Evening Standard claims manager Arsene Wenger his willing to strengthening his squad in the necessary places ahead of next season. He said:
“We want to keep the squad stable over the summer while strengthening where possible,” Wenger said. “You want the group to be stimulated and to believe that we have improved the quality.
“I must say, we want to combine technical stability with players that we know want to play and know our game. Maybe bring in three players for example. That’s the right level for me.”
The defence and the attack are obviously the two areas Wenger is focusing on at present. The club has lately been linked with a number of defenders to bolster that part of the team
And the most recent news emanating from the Spanish media claimed that the Premier League heavyweight are making moves to sign Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that Arsenal and Premier League rival Manchester United are among other clubs that have shown interest in the Argentina international.
Mundo claimed that the 32-year-old has stated that he wants fresh challenge and he is ready to meet with Barca authorities to discuss about leaving the club this summer.
Maschernano joined the Spanish giants from Liverpool in 2010 and has enjoyed successful period at Nou Camp, winning four La Liga titles and two Champions League cups among other honours.
He has formed a formidable defensive partner with Gerard Pique at the heart of Barca’s defence having previously played as a defensive midfielder.
The former West ham player already has Premier League experience and could be a good buy for Arsenal but the £75 million buy-out clause on his contract for someone nearing the final years of his career is “outrageous”.
He is still under contract to Barca till 2018 and there is no guarantee the Catalunya will be willing to sell him.
Wenger is on the look-out for a defensive partner for Laurent Koscienly. Both Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista have not really solved the defence problems.
The Gunners boss has Mehdi Benatia, Mateo Mausschio among others on his wishlist
