Arsenal securing a top four Premier League finish is more important than ever this season – the Gunners’ transfer plans depend on it.
Arsenal have two lists of players they hope to buy this summer, with each dependent on the club’s final position at the end of the Premier League season.
According to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal have two sets of targets – one if they qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and one should they finish fifth or below.
The first contains players who might be considered A-list targets – those who could enhance any team in Europe: FC Barcelona striker David Villa and goalkeeper Victor Valdes, Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, Borussia Dortmund playmaker Mario Goetze and Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Luis Gustavo.
The second makes rather less enticing reading for Arsenal fans. Yohan Cabaye of Newcastle United, Celtic star Victor Wanyama, versatile Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy and Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
All clearly a series of backup options, and whilst all solid footballers, none stand out as the player to bring Arsenal closer to winning trophies in the 2013-14 season. Intriguingly, the second list is missing a striker, and it would be surprising if the Gunners did not bring in more firepower to the squad in 2013.
One thing is particularly apparent: the disparity between the lists makes Arsenal finishing in the top four more important than ever this season.
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