Arsenal have made signing Barcelona star Sergio Busquets their top priority this summer, reports SPORT.
This has been revealed after Arsene Wenger gave a list of targets to the Gunners hierarchy, and the Spain international was reportedly at the top of the list, despite him being a similar type of player to incumbent midfielder Francis Coquelin.
The Frenchman was a revelation last season, coming back from a loan at Championship side Charlton Athletic to become a key part of the side.
His role in away victories against Manchester City and Manchester United was particularly impressive, and appeared to highlight to his manager the need for a defensive midfielder in his side. From then on the 65-year-old tended to play with one, when before he hadn’t hesitated in ignoring this component of his side in order to incorporate more offensive talent.
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However, the French manager sees Busquets as an improvement on the 24-year-old.
On paper, the 27-year-old international would appear to be a more accomplished option than Coquelin, having won almost everything possible in the game as part of arguably two of the greatest teams ever in Barcelona and Spain.
It is surprising that the midfielder is top of the North London club’s wish list though, with the rumours swirling about the mooted arrival of Karim Benzema more prominent in recent times [Daily Express]. The FA Cup champions are preparing a £40.5 million move for the striker according to the Metro, and indeed, the offensive third does look to be in greater need of improvement than central midfield.
There are doubts over first-choice forward Olivier Giroud’s ability to lead the line against the very best [Daily Telegraph]. These goal-scoring concerns will have to be quashed if they are going to have any chance of bridging the 12-point gap that existed between themselves and Premier League champions Chelsea in the last campaign.