Although we are nowhere near the transfer window, rumours are already circulating regarding our potential targets for the summer. Right now, it is of little importance. And the type of player we can go for depends on our final league position. However, due to the break since our last match, there isn’t much else to discuss, so here is a round-up of our transfer rumours.

Podolski

This transfer saga is likely to be similar to the drawn-out signings of Nasri and Gervinho. Barring a major hiccup in the final stages of the deal, it seems that Lukas will make the switch from Koln to Arsenal in the summer.

He will cost around £10-11 million, which represents a decent coup for a player of his talent. He has 95 international appearances under his belt, and has a very good return of 43 goals in those games. In fact, his goal/game ratio was better than a goal every two international matches up until a year ago.

In two spells at Koln, he has 84 goals in 171 games, which is impressive for a club that often sits in the middle/lower part of the Bundesliga. If he were to come to Arsenal, I’m sure he would get more chances and hopefully score plenty of goals.

At Koln he has played in a front three, and he has done the same for Germany. Thus, he should be able to slot straight into Arsenal’s formation without a problem. He has pace and a powerful shot, combining both Walcott and van Persie’s key attributes in one player.

Hopefully his signing will convince van Persie that we can attract top players. He will provide back up to our captain but can also play on the wing to support the Dutchman. He is 26 years old which would represent a continuation of Wenger’s changed policy of no longer buying only young players.

Some say the deal is already done and he has passed a medical. Some say that the rumours are rubbish, and the transfer has some way to go. Wenger was coy on the deal, as one would expect. It seems likely, but it isn’t official. Not yet.

Likeliness Rating: 4.5/5

Hazard

He’s clearly going to be a top player. Zidane has described him as “technically gifted and very fast. He will be a major star in the future. I would take him to Real Madrid with my eyes closed.”

We are not the only club interested in him, and Hazard has spoken of his admiration of many clubs too. Unlike some players who have their eyes set on a particular club (i.e. Vertoghen), Hazard seems to be flirting with plenty of clubs – perhaps looking for the best wages. Reminds me too much of Nasri.

He has apparently spoken about Spurs, Arsenal, Man Utd and City, and that’s just Premier League clubs! Perhaps the quotes are twisting what Hazard says, because I’m sure the journalists are questioning him about transfers all the time. Regardless of Hazard’s loyalty, his price tag is going to be a problem. With so may clubs supposedly vying for his services, this is likely to be a bidding war in which we cannot compete.

Likeliness Rating: 2/5

Vertonghen

Although we arguably don’t need another centre back, the rumours have surfaced as Vertonghen has announced his desire to join Arsenal. He told the Sunday Mirror:

“Arsenal are a magnificent club and I hear a lot of good things about English football. If a club of Arsenal’s calibre can reach agreement with Ajax, then I will gladly go over.