Gooner Talk

Every summer Arsenal are linked with a whole host of unknown, young and unproven players.

However, after the recent acquisition of Ajax skipper Thomas Vermaelen, it seems that Arsene Wenger may be going for the more ‘experienced’-type players.

Gooner Talk have put together a list of five Defensive Midfielders who have been linked with Arsenal, and in our opinion, should join the Gunners’ this summer.

Of course, it’s just a ‘dream list’ of options, but you’re welcome to leave your opinion in the comments section below!

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Gooner Talk posted a video of him scoring for Brazil earlier on, but it looks like Felipe Melo will stay at Fiorentina despite Arsenal’s apparent interest.

Almost a fortnight ago, the 25-year-old’s agent remained adamant that La Viola was the place for him and admitted that he’s tied to Fiorentina until 2012.

“Felipe will always be grateful to Fiorentina for having established him in top level football,” Umberto Fusco said. “And now it’s right to show his attachment to the viola cause. The rest is just chit chat.

“With regards to a contract extension, what matters is that it is the desire of both parties,” he said.

“Above all the rumours, I always thought the lad would remain in Florence.”

And it isn’t the first time Arsenal have shown an interest in the stocky midfield man. In December, Melo spoke about the Gunners’ interest in him and revealed that he wanted to respect the contract he currently has.

“My agent has told me that a big side are interested in my services and it’s surely a great feeling,” he enthused.

“The Gunners are certainly a prestigious outfit, even more so than Chelsea, but I have a four-year contract and I love it here.”

Do you think we’ll sign Melo? Or is it just typical paper talk?! Give your views on Melo, the oncoming Vermaelen and any other transfer stories in the comments section below.

With thanks to GT commenter SebCesc for the FIFA link.

Saint Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi will sign for Everton this summer, according to French radio station RMC.

22-year-old Matuidi is extremely highly-rated in his homeland and it’s no secret that Arsenal’s French scout Gilles Grimandi has already watched several Les Verts matches this season.

The almost-relegated Saint Etienne are likely to lose many of their star players this summer, France Under-21 star Matuidi will definitely be one of them.

Have Arsenal really missed out on Matuidi though?

We’ve already got a similar player in Alex Song, who’s more experienced and more adapted to the rigours of Premier League football.

Indeed, if Arsene Wenger did sign up Mamadou Sakho, there would be no need for a player of Matuidi’s quality – with Sakho’s versatility meaning he’d be able to play in defensive midfield.

Gooner Talk will keep you updated throughout the summer with all the latest goings-on, so stay tuned to the best place for your daily Gooner news.

Please let us know what you think in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

Kieran Gibbs bagged a brace as England Under-21’s romped to a 7-0 win over Azerbaijan at Stadium MK.

Chelsea youngster Michael Mancienne put England ahead after just 48 seconds, turning home the rebound after a header from James Tomkins, making his Under-21 debut, hit the post.

The lead was doubled on 26 minutes, courtesy of an own goal from Elchin Sadigov, before Craig Gardner smashed England into a 3-0 lead at half-time.

Wigan’s Lee Cattermole scored the fourth ten minutes into the second half, volleying home a cross from Andrew Taylor. Tottenham’s Danny Rose also came from the bench to make his Under-21 debut before Kieran Gibbs scored twice inside six minutes to make it 6-0 to England.

England boss Stuart Pearce then surprised everyone in the stadium by bringing on goalkeeper Joe Lewis for midfielder Lee Cattermole.

In the final minute, Jack Rodwell’s deflected 25-yard shot made it 7-0.

Decent preparation for the European Under-21 Championship eh?

With thanks to The FA website

Arsene Wenger will make a decision in the coming weeks on whether or not he’ll be making a bid for Saint-Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi this summer.

The Arsenal boss rates 22-year-old Matuidi very highly along with his French-based scout, Gilles Grimandi.

Former Gunner Grimandi has been present at dozens of Les Verts matches this season, leading the French press to believe that Matuidi is definitely on Wenger’s shopping list.

Previous to that, defensive midfielder Matuidi revealed how pleased he was with Arsenal’s reported interest in him

“I asked myself questions at the end of August after Arsenal showed their interest,” he said in The Sun.

“An opportunity to join them is not something ordinary. It gives you great self-esteem, it is Arsenal.”

Wenger is said to be in the market for a centre half as well as a dominant defensive midfield player. Matuidi could certainly be the latter.

Renowned for his expert knowledge of Ligue 1’s youngsters, the 59-year-old will have to make his mind up soon if Matuidi is really the man he wants.

Your thoughts? Please leave your views on Matuidi in the comments section below.

The following is an opinionated list of Arsenal’s best and worst moments of the last season, plus some awards for notable and notorious acts on the field.

The Ten Best Performances by the Gunners.

1. Fenerbahce 2 Arsenal 5. Our finest outing of the season. An intimidating crowd and we put the Turkish side to the sword.

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