Arsenal FC latest transfer rumours & team news, 07/02

Arsenal transfer news from the major players reveals Arsene Wenger is to take a leaf out of Alan Pardew’s book, go back to his roots and pillage the French league for his next summer signing; the target in question is Etienne Capoue of Toulouse.

Arsenal manager Wenger was a whisker away from signing Capoue from Toulouse during the winter transfer window (along with every other low-cost, big name star from here to Timbuktu) but failed to clinch the deal, the back pages assert he will be an Arsenal man by the end of this season.

Arsene’s scouts have been sent on several spy missions to ascertain whether Capoue could fill Alex Song’s boots and the survey suggests the French international will galvanize the spine of the weakened Arsenal midfield.

Arsene didn’t capture his man when given the chance last month which could torment fans should injuries continue to plague central duo Arteta and Coquelin, whom provide the only line of cover for “Steve Bould’s” back four.

Historically speaking, January has been the month when the Gunners made repeated exits from domestic and European cups putting a black mark against the team’s progress, although Wenger’s ability to keep pace in all competitions may be the reason for deciding not to introduce new blood to his squad.

If Capoue joins as a summer transfer the expected fee is to be in the region of £10m, but critics will argue the point that Wenger has a solid British core around which his team should be built and not diluted with European imports.

The exception to Wenger’s transfer rule then, would be that of new £8.3 million signing Nacho Monreal, a Spain international left-back, was brought in as back-up for the triumphant Kieran Gibbs.

Wilshere, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Gibbs and Jenkinson have all signed contract extensions over the Christmas period to the delight of fans; is adding Capoue to the mix a forward or backward step for Wenger?

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