Transfer rumors keep emerging when it comes to Arsenal, even though they have not been very active in the transfer market recently. This winter they brought in Nacho Monreal as a last minute solution to replace Gibbs who is sidelined because of physical problems that will keep him training separately for at least a couple more weeks if not a month. Just after the transfer period had closed, several injuries occurred giving Wenger some serious trouble with more than half of his defense required to stay away from the pitch because of various medical problems.
Due to Arsenal’s strict transfer policy, no one expects the Gunners to land seriously big names anymore. It is well known that the lack of trophies and tight negotiations when it comes to signing new players is not all that tempting, especially for players who have reached a certain age.
It seems that Wenger has directed his attention towards a player that is going to reach the end of his contract this summer. Fernando Amorebieta, who is currently with Spanish side, Athletic Bilbao looks keen on moving to the Premier League. According to his agent, the Venezuelan international has already started discussing contract clauses and chances are he will start wearing Arsenal’s colors right after the 2012-2013 football season reaches its end.
Most likely the 6 foot 4 inches tall defender will come to Emirates for free as his contract is about to expire. More than that, Amorebieta expressed his desire to change things up a bit and it seems that the Premier League is just the place for him. It looks like an excellent situation to take advantage off, especially considering recent rumors that have Vermaelen moving on to Barcelona.
Although Bilbao’s defender has managed to accumulate as many as 250 appearances for the team, he says it is time to move on. He will be a great transfer for Arsenal even if his pairing with Per Mertesacker is not a match made in heaven, considering both of them are not the fastest players in the world. Amorebieta is seen as a strong defender with quite an aggressive playing style which would be excellent for the Gunners.
The only competition that Wenger will have as far as signing Amorebieta goes, comes from Russia. Anzhi, who are looking to replace Christophe Samba who left for QPR, are ready to make a move and sign the player, but he does not seem that keen on moving too far away from his current home. I do believe that the Venezuelan defender will most likely start his next season at The Emirates.