Days after Reliable Arsenal Journalist Jeremy Wilson reported Granit Xhaka was Arsenal's top transfer target, Reliable Arsenal Journalist Matt Law is reporting that there is another player on top of Arsene Wenger's wishlist. According to Law, Juventus striker Alvaro Morata is our number one summer priority.
The Spaniard can be bought back by Real Madrid and, apparently, they might interested in doing so to sell him on for a profit. This wholesale deal seems rather a tricky proposition. While certainly possible, it would not be a quick transaction.
Law reiterated the report that Arsenal are on the hunt for Xhaka and also said that the Gunners are interested in Roma centerback Kostas Manolas. You might remember that Arsenal were heavily linked with the Greek defender a couple of summers ago but were beaten to the punch by the Serie A side. Chelsea are also reported to be hot on the trail for Manolas and, if we are being honest, probably could offer the youngster a more immediate, consistent role.
Another huge tidbit from the piece is that Arsenal would listen to offers for Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Kieran Gibbs. The three, part of Arsenal's much-flaunted British core, have each had disappointing seasons. Theo started somewhat brightly after finally being allowed to feature at center forward, but has dropped off greatly since. The Ox seemed set for a breakout year after scoring the winner in the Community Shield, but injuries and lack of form have scuttled the attacker's season. Gibbs has been stymied all season by Nacho Monreal, who elevated his play to a level few expected before the season began.
While the report certainly does not say the club will sell any of these players, if the offer is big enough, they might be enticed to move these backups on.
Does Morata move the dial for you? Should Arsenal target Manolas as a long-term centerback replacement? Are you ready to offload Walcott, The Ox, or Gibbo?