Arsenal are reportedly considering a double raid on Newcastle for Yohan Cabaye and Davide Santon, according to reports in Metro.
The Magpies duo have been in excellent form so far this season and are both considered to be key men in Alan Pardew’s side.
The Gunners were keen on a move for Cabaye in the summer and the report states that they are likely to return with a January bid for him, as they are concerned about Wilshere’s ability to stay healthy while Mikel Arteta has assumed more defensive duties in Wenger’s midfield.
It further states that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is targeting Italy international full back Santon to provide cover for Bacary Sagna, an area in which he feels short due to doubts over the long-term future of the current Arsenal right back.
Arsenal reportedly failed with a £10 million bid for Cabaye in the summer and the Frenchman was also keen to make the move to north London. He refused to take part in the clash with West Ham following our bid, and at one point a move looked likely. However, the Gunners refused to improve upon their offer and eventually opted to sign Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer.
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Cabaye would fit into Arsenal’s playing style however as he is quite an attacking minded midfielder it’s difficult to see any need for him or any room.
The Gunners have Wilshere, Ramsey and Rosicky all in a similar mould to Cabaye, not to mention other central midfielders such as Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and eventually Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It is bizarre that Wenger is still linked with his compatriot.
The also report states that Santon is also on Wenger’s transfer hit list, a much more likely target. With Sagna out of contract in the summer, although Arsenal would like to keep him, he is yet to sign a new deal after over a year of protracted negotiations.
Santon has suffered with injuries throughout his career, but is now enjoying an extended spell of fitness which has yielded a number of good displays. He can provide depth in both full back positions and could be the long term successor should Sagna leave the club.
Although Santon appears a good option, our priority should be to tie Sagna down to a new deal and then look for back up in central defence. It seems unlikely Pardew will let the duo leave unless Arsenal bid big.
Should we sign either or both of the Newcastle players? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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