1 Day to go: Transfer Talk Round-up 31 December, 2008

Midnight tonight is not only the start of a new year, but more importantly the start of a brand new shiny transfer window. The rumours have kicked off already and the big news today.

The Sun, The Daily Mail and The Guardian are all reporting that we will bid £12m for Mikel Arteta. He would be a great replacement for Cesc Fabregas and would need no time to settle into the league. He’s playing well for Everton this season scoring two goals at the weekend. He’s a free kick specialist and a great passer.

My only worry is would he be content with only being a replacement for our captain whilst he’s out injured. When Cesc returned where would he fit in? Maybe he could be used on the right but I don’t see a Fabregas and Arteta partnership in the middle – they’re too alike. We need a defensive midfielder in there too.

In any case, the possibility of signing Arteta is quite exciting to me. As with all these rumours we’re just going to have to wait and see.

We’ve also been linked with Shay Given this week but Newcastle say he’s not leaving. I don’t blame him really, he’s loved up there and guaranteed first team football. The only way I see him going is if they get relegated.

When I read this story I pretty much rubbished it straight away. Wenger has a lot of faith in Almunia and Fabianski and seeing as Manuel is our stand-in skipper it seems a bit odd to go and sign a ‘keeper. I don’t think we really need one either; I know Almunia’s not exactly the best goalie in the world but he’s a good shot stopper, good in the air and reads the game well. Goalkeeper is certainly not the most urgent of signings at the moment.

Nicklas Bendtner has rubbished reports of him leaving saying he enjoys playing at Arsenal:

“I don’t think about all the rumours because I am an Arsenal player and really love it here. I hope that I can say stay here for a long time because to me Arsenal are the dream club.”

Well there you go. I know a lot of Gooners aren’t exactly Bendtner’s biggest fans but we have to remember the guy is still young. He is frustrating sometimes but does occasionally show that he has got what it takes; we just have to give him time.

Well that it’s it for today and that’s it for 2008. Thanks a lot to everyone who has read the site over the past 12 months. Regulars will know that it’s been an on and off year on the site with me moving away but I do try to keep everything up to date when I get the chance! Thanks for all your support.

Have a good night tonight everyone and a Happy Transfer Window.