Arsene Wenger hoping to pull off major double deal

Arsene Wenger has apparently sanctioned sensational moves for PSG’s Edinson Cavani and Athletic Bilbao centre back Aymeric Laporte, as he steps up his bid to push on at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners were tipped to challenge this term, however they are now 20/1 to win the title with Coral, after a number of hiccoughs, as well as their first league defeat against leaders Chelsea last time out.

With Olivier Giroud still injured and not back until November and Mesut Ozil out with ligament damage in his knee until the New Year, Arsenal seemingly need new recruits. It is the same old story.

A £55m deal is reportedly being brokered by the high-ups at the north London club, which would smash their previous record of £42.5m paid for Ozil, but he could be a luxury they don’t need, with Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez signed in the summer.

There is no doubt about the Uruguayan’s ability, though Wenger struggles to accommodate three strikers happily in his squad. Cavani, Giroud, Welbeck, and Sanchez are formidable striking options, and are a force that suggests the club should push for major honours. The trouble is, Welbeck came to Arsenal because of the likelihood of first team football. Bringing Cavani in may just put his nose out of joint again. And then there is Theo Walcott to return from injury.

A position where Wenger does need to strengthen is further back, and reports linking them to Athletic Bilbao’s talented French centre back Laporte could appease fans, as he offers much-needed strength in depth, and is capable of filling in for one of Laurent Koscielny or Per Mertesacker. The only stumbling block could be the fee; though, surprisingly Wenger is prepared to pay the £34m asking price for the 20-year-old who is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Europe, and best known for his tackling and positional sense.

It is thought both deals would be pushed through in January, which would break the mould for Arsenal, and take their spending to in the region of £100m for two transfer windows.