With four days to go to the end of the transfer window, we know that Arsene Wenger intends to sign at least 20 players if the media gossip is to be believed. In my estimation we need four players and whilst improbable given the time remaining, I present my transfers bets based upon the availability and qualities of the players involved. Silent Stan Kroenke has the last opportunity to prove that he has real ambitions for success on the playing side of the business. If we fail to make the necessary buys and it later transpires that Stan Kroenke was the stumbling block, then fans will turn against him very quickly, and the scenes of protest at the Emirates will take a step closer to happening. Arsene wenger for his part did at least confirm that he is keen to get a striker at Friday’s press conference, with the likely exit of Niklas Bendtner.

I have blogged previously that we need a 25 goal a season striker, as the loss of goals from midfield will hurt us. Theo Walcott plea that he become the main central striker is flawed by his inconsistency, work harder Theo and your wish may come true. Arsenal need a ready made out of the box striker and the Lazio’s Argentinian striker is an ideal Wenger pick. Gifted with wonderful dribbling, his youtube trick has been well publicised and the video compilation that I have chosen illustrate his excellent dead ball striking. An area that would enable Arsenal to win more matches from set pieces. Lazio President has played hardball with the prospect of his star leaving for the Emirates, but I hope that Zarate will be a Gunner by the middle of next week.

Video   Zarate skills 

The next replacement is Arsene’s long term target of Mikel Arteta from Everton. The Toffees hit the headlines recently with their banking problems, and Arsenal could be involved in a player plus deal with Niklas Bendtner going the other way. I reject the assertion in todays Independent that Wenger wants Marouane Fellaini and Jagielka in addition. I like Fellaini for his passion, but is he good enough for Arsenal? I think not. Arteta on the other hand is another typical Wenger buy. The Spaniard deserves Champions League Football, and he also has an opportunity to remind the Spanish Football Federation that they have been wrong to snub his selection for the senior side. Arteta has shown his past Barcelona pedigree on many occasions for Everton. He is a playmaker, great dead ball striker and a hard worker. He could influence so many of our youngsters and most of all his experience would be invaluable.

Video Arteta Skills

My next pick has to be Gary Cahill despite Eldo’s recent blog suggesting that Arsene Wenger will look elsewhere for a centre back after the four letter tirade by Bolton’s Chairman Phil Gartside on Twitter. His Opta stats alone confirm that he won the most aerial challenges in 2010/11 in the Premier League. If Arsenal’s opening bid was derisory given the fact that Bolton value him at closer to £17 million, we will probably seal the deal at around £12 million. The best aspect of this spat is that very cleverly Arsenal have ensured that Gary Cahill’s head will have been turned, he will get a pay rise and Champions League Football, so I expect his agent to wade in and accelerate the conclusion of the deal. Bolton are really taking the piss expecting Arsenal to pay the buyout clause of £17million when the player is in the last year of his contract. If the player is picked to faced Liverpool today, then Bolton will be upping the ante which may backfire.

Video   Gary Cahill video

Ideally we could do with another left back and the worrying news of QPR coming in for Armand Traore makes me wonder if we have forgotten the need to seal the other defensive flank. If Arsene Wenger really wants to make a personal statement of intent, then whilst talking to Everton he should make a £20 million bid for Leighton Baines. Leigton Baines delivers pin point crosses and has wicked free kicks which remind me of David Beckham. Defensively he is very assured and has the pace to go forward in the Arsenal way. He would make an excellent addition to our squad. Leigton Baines is already an accomplished and ready made player with a good career, but Champions league football would be the ideal crowning achievement, plus he is English and would restore our Home Grown requirement.

Video  the best of Leighton Baines

As usual Arsenal fans must wait to find out if Arsenal Board will support Arsene Wenger and give him the funds necessary to not only buy these players which is easily achievable, but also allow him to offer the kind of contracts that will show our resolve to re-establish Arsenal Football Club claim to win the Premiership Title. Failure to do this will divide our fanbase and cause preventable bad publicity in the months to come.

Rocky the king

Rtk@Arsenalinsider and  follow me on Twitter @RTKafc_insider

Rocky_The_King

Ok I wasn't born and bred a Gooner, but after being in the wilderness, I saw the light and beat a track for Highbury. I have been a season ticket holder for over a decade, and now a life member of the Arsenal Supporter's trust. I hate the Scum and Man U with a passion. Formerly FTK I am co-owner of Arsenalinsider and it's chief blog writer, I can be found having a rant about all things Arsenal, and believe me, you had better listen...

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