Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Nasri, Fabregas, Sneijder, and Benzema

Arsene Wenger went into the summer transfer period with intentions of upgrading specific positions, and later found himself desperately trying to retain Arsenal's major contributors.

With Cesc Fabregas-to-Barcelona rumours continuing to circulate, as well as the prospect of Samir Nasri perhaps being moved out of the Premier League or even to rivals Manchester United and Manchester City, the once mighty Arsenal midfield is in danger of falling apart.

With apparently plenty of money to spend, Arsenal plan to offer Samir Nasri a contract that pays £6 million per year to hold onto the French playmaker. Considering how much Nasri meant to the club last season, retaining the 24-year-old star has to be a top priority.

If Fabregas should leave for Camp Nou, it will likely have to be at a price above the proposed £35 million deal. So far, there haven't been many indicators that Barcelona are willing to up their bid.

Meanwhile, The Guardian mentioned Juventus defensive midfielder Felipe Melo, Bayern Munich wing Franck Ribéry, Valencia left wing Juan Mata, and young attacking midfielder Miralem Pjanic of Lyon, as possible players who can be moved to Emirates.

The name that stands out in the list is veteran Ribéry. Arsenal have suffered through numerous injuries in the past two years, and Ribéry has proven to be injury-prone, so a move to the Gunners seems unlikely.

Should Arsenal lose either Nasri or Fabregas, Wenger will certainly have to look towards a star midfielder, and may have to consider some of the players mentioned by The Guardian.

A name that is overlooked has been Wesley Sneijder. The Dutch attacking midfielder has been rumoured to be leaving Inter for Manchester United this summer, but Sneijder might be the perfect fit for Arsenal should they lose a star midfielder.

Roughly the same size and with similar technical abilities of former Gunner Marc Overmars, Sneijder would have little trouble adjusting to Wenger's style. According to Netherlands teammate Robin van Persie, Sneijder's skills fit with Arsenal.

He is always looking forward, he's always trying to make things happen, said van Persie in 2007. He is like an Arsenal player. Arsenal players always look forward and want to make the game.

There has not been discussion of Sneijder as a potential addition to Arsenal, but there probably should be.

Again, the midfield is not a pressing issue with the current look of the roster, particulalry with central defense a major concern. Arsenal has shown interest in central defenders Gary Cahill of Bolton, Blackburn's Chris Samba, Phil Jagielka of Everton, and Werder Bremen's Per Mertesacker, but there has been limited talk of any of those players joining Arsenal in recent days.

Though Wenger addressed the need for a forward by bringing in Gervinho, Arsenal probably still need to keep looking to upgrade at the position.

Earlier this month, Daily Mail reported Arsenal would make a move on Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema for £27 million. Wenger has also shown interest in 17-year-old Southampton forward Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but the £10 million fee might be too steep.