5 realistic and needed transfers for Arsenal

With Gael Clichy's departure not expected to be on the only big player to leave Arsenal this year, this transfer window is a huge one for Arsenal in not only their bid to challenge for trophies but to maintain their top four position.

Shay Given - Manchester City's second choice keeper is avaliable for a small fee with the club wanting to slash their wage budget with big names on high wages not needed. Unfairly discarded last year Given is desperate for first team football. Arsene Wenger missed a chance to sign him when Mark Hughes signed Ireland's number one in January 2009, and with Manuel Almunia frequently costing Arsenal points added to the inexpierence of their other three goalkeepers, a new man between the sticks is a necessity.

Other possible targets - Igor Akinfeev and Craig Gordon

Leighton Baines - The Everton full back has been the personification of consistency for along time now, and after playing every minute of the 2010-11 season, the England international is a wanted man. As good in his own half as he is the opposition Baines would suit the way Arsenal play and is arguably a better defender then the departed Gael Clichy.

Other possible targets - Jose Enrique and Emilio Izaguirre

Jan Vertonghen - Arsenal need to add a centre back to their ranks, after basically a whole year without key centre half Thomas Vermaelen they struggled defensively. Ajax centre half Vertonghen has played with Vermaelen at both club and international level and the two would forge a could partnership. A mistake from Wenger last year was to allow William Gallas to leave the club who performed well for rivals Spurs last year.

Other possible targets - Christopher Samba and Scott Dann

Daniel De Rossi - With the likes of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas on the way out of the club, the likes of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey are going to have to step up, and with the youth in the centre of the midfield a expierenced head is needed to guide them along. And with Roma missing out on the Champions league the defensive midfielder can be the perfect foil for Ramsey and Wilshere to dictat the game.

Other possible targets - Steven Defour and Marouane Fellaini

Karim Benzema - Realistic? Probably not. Could it happen? Maybe. Arsenal often have missed a cutting edge up front, with the likes of Nicklas Bendtner and Maroune Chamakh failing to score the required amount of goals. Robin Van Persie's end to the season was fantastic, however when you can't guarentee an injury free season with him, you need another striker. And the former Lyon striker would definatly fit the bill, if Wenger is prepared to pay the high wages.

Other possible targets - Jermaine Defoe and Lisrando Lopez


Possible Arsenal side

                    Given
Sagna Vertonghen Vermaelan Baines
          Wilshere De Rossi
Gervinho       Van Persie         Arshavin
                 Benzema