Wenger ‘asks Arsenal for Busquets’

Despite rumours that Karim Benzema is attracting bids of £40.5m (via Metro), Arsenal have reportedly put Barcelona’s holding midfielder Sergio Busquets at the very top of their transfer wishlist, according to the Metro.

A number of defensive midfield targets have slipped through Arsenal’s grasp this summer, with fans concerned that an injury to Francis Coquelin would leave them reliant on Arteta and Mathieu Flamini. The report further add’s that a list of candidates suitable for the role, have been handed out to the club’s hierarchy and Busquets sits at the top of that list. A handful of reported Arsenal targets in that position have since moved to other clubs, with Morgan Schneiderlin leaving Southampton for Manchester United and Geoffrey Kondogbia joining Inter. The Gunners are now pursuing the 27-year-old, former La Masia graduate in a bid to add physical presence in the middle of the park. He did, however, sign a new Barcelona contract in late February, which should keep him at the Catalan club until at least 2019.

Once again Busquets was a key member of Barca’s treble winning squad last season and recorded and ever accurate pass accuracy rating of 92% in la Liga.

Arsene Wenger believes that youngster Coquelin has done a magnificient job as a defensive midfielder towards the end of last season, but the side needs an upgrade if they are to bridge the gap between Arsenal and the European elite.