As Arsenal prepare themselves for a hectic last few weeks in the summer transfer window, the latest players from the Barclays Premier League to be linked with interest from the Londoners are Swansea City pair Michu and Ashley Williams.
Swansea have been moving in the right direction ever since former manager Brendan Rodgers lead their rise to the Premier League from the Championship in England. The Welsh outfit have surpassed all expectations from a side being promoted from the Championship, and have been progressing well with their style of play. The slick passing seen by the side in their first season in the league took everyone by surprise, and led to the promotion of Rodgers as a managerial candidate for a big club. Their shrewd character in the transfer windows, signing players who provide value for money has certainly paid off for the club.
The concept of bidding for two players with one bid has been prominent this week, with reports suggesting Manchester United bidding for Everton duo Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini for a fee of £28 million. Even though that bid was rejected outright, The Evening Standard reports the Gunners going for a similar bid for the Swansea pair with the fee quoted as £35 million.
Michu has been one of the finds of the Premier League over the last season, ever since being brought into England by Swansea from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano. The Spaniard scored 18 goals in 36 matches last season, and also got considered by the national coach for an international selection. The 27-year old has been targeted by big clubs in the summer, but with new manager Michael Laudrup still in charge of proceedings, the striker had planned to stay with the club.
Williams, on the other hand, has been ever-so-consistent as a center back for Swansea, and has welcomed the responsibility of being the club captain of both club and the Welsh national side. The 28-year old would provide a calmer approach in the Arsenal back line, with Laurent Koscielny getting sent off on various occasions over the past few seasons.