As the season draws to a close, the gossip begins. We will be bringing you an Arsenal filtered gossip column throughout the summer. Today reports suggest Arsenal are preparing a £31million bid for Diego Costa, considering Bony bid and may move for free agent Rio Ferdinand. See all the Arsenal transfer news in our Gossip Column.
Former star Carlos Vela has refused to rule out a return to Arsenal this summer (Guardian). Arsenal have a £3.5million buy-back clause they can activate at any time for Carlos Vela. The Mexican had previously not been keen on a return to the Gunners but I think Arsene and the player now know he is much more suited to the English game. Stronger and more accomplished in front of goal, Vela would be an excellent attacking option for Arsenal – and at just £3.5million, would allow the Gunners to still go big on another forward.
Arsenal battle Tottenham in race to sign Ajax defender Joel Veltman (Telegraph). Arsenal currently have just three centre-backs and have been lucky that there have been so severe injuries in this department this season. Sagna provided centre back cover as a fourth option, but with him set to leave, and Vermaelen’s future in doubt – a fourth central defender may need to be recruited this summer. Veltman seems to fit the bill.
Rio Ferdinand is a shock target for Arsenal this summer, he is a free agent if he does not renew (Mirror). I can’t see this one happening at all. Ferdinand may continue with Man Utd and I very much doubt he would want to be our fourth choice centre back, we need a younger defender to be ready to succeed Vermaelen, Koscielny and Mertesacker who are all in the same age bracket.
Swansea will slap a £20million price tag on Wilfried Bony in a bid to scare off Arsenal (Mirror). Bony would be a solid signing upfront. He is a good all-round striker and has proven himself now in the Premier League. Swansea don’t look like they are matching his ambitions and if Swansea want £20million – if Wenger could wrangle the fee down to around £16million – he’d be a top signing, in my opinion. He is strong enough to hold it up, but also a brilliant goal poacher.
Arsenal preparing £31m Diego Costa transfer – and will battle with Chelsea for his signature (Mirror). It is thought by many that Diego Costa has already agreed a deal to sign for Chelsea. I doubt the Gunners will offer a similar transfer fee or wage, considering the other options available on the market. The likes of Cavani and Benzema could be sold for similar figures – and I think both of them suit Arsenal more and Wenger would be more likely to sign one of those two.
Did you see?
Arsenal to bid £12m for Remy and confident of bids for Bender and Draxler
Arsenal to bid £18m for Man Utd flop, Giroud to leave and Lacazette could replace
Arsenal bid for Mandzukic, Wenger wants £25m winger but Monaco want Arsene
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Would you welcome Rio Ferdinand at Arsenal? Comment below with your thoughts | Photo via Ailura