Arsenal Transfer News: Fabianski Out? Updates On Mandzukic, Morata And More

Julian Draxler and Alvaro Morata are still Arsene Wenger’s top transfer targets this summer, but Arsenal have built in contingency plans should anything fall through.

Draxler and Morata, who joined Schalke and Real Madrid in 2011 respectively, are two players most likely to find new homes this summer, but Arsenal aren’t alone in their pursuits of both players.

A viable and even less expensive option could come in the form of Valencia striker Francisco Alcacer, according to Daily Mirror. The 20-year-old is second in scoring on the club with six La Liga goals, and has rapidly risen through Spain’s national teams over the last four years.

Wenger has reportedly dispatched scouts to monitor Alcacer’s progress four times over the last month.

All three players would represent the future of Arsenal’s attack with their ages all hovering around 20 and 21, and would likely be replacements for Nicklas Bendtner, who has publicly state his intentions to leave Emirates, according to Daily Mail.

In need of depth along the backline and in goal, Alcacer would be more effective use of funds with his value set at around £5.3 million. Draxler, by comparison, is under contract until 2018 with a valuation of £26.5 million, and Morata’s is around £10 million.

Chasing Morata would also mean taking on Manchester United and their deep pockets. As reported by the Mirror, manager David Moyes is looking for young forwards for the long haul.

Another option for Arsenal, as well as a slew of Premier League teams, is Bayern Munich leading scorer and forward Mario Mandzukic. The impending arrival of Robert Lewandowski to Allianz from Borussia Dortmund has put the 27-year-old Mandzukic’s future in doubt, according to The Express.

The Croatian native could have moved back to his old club, Wolfsburg, but they have reportedly ruled out a bid leaving the door open for the Gunners, as well as United and Chelsea.

Since joining Munich in 2012, Mandzukic has netted 31 goals and any bid for his services will likely begin at £20 million.

In other news, Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has reportedly caught the attention of Swiss club Basel, according to reports out of Switzerland via Talk Sport. The 28-year-old has only made 31 appearances since he was signed from Polish club Legia Warsaw in 2007.

Basel will promise far more first-team action, and the Gunners might be open to let Fabianski leave with Wojciech Szczesny playing so well in this campaign.