I have heard through various contacts recently that Arsene Wenger has a experienced DM his priority now he has recruited Thomas Vermaelen. Although the CB situation is not completely resolved as there remains the possibility of either Toure or Gallas moving on along with Senderos of course, and wengers decision regarding whether Alex Song features more at CB this season could also affect this conclusion.
Moving on to the DM situation which many feel could well be the final piece of the jigsaw to erase those 'fine margins' which were clearly evident in the two crunch games last season(Chelsea FA Cup semi and Man Utd CL Semi-final). Whilst many observers initially looked closer to home at the likes of Gareth Barry, Scott Parker, they were never really part of Wengers thinking particlarly the latter.
Of Course after Barry's well publicised and to a degree well scrutinised switch to eastlands, the search casts its eye further afield in search of this 'missing piece'.
Neutrals declared they have found their man in Felipe Melo, the brazilan fellow chief destroyer with ex gunners legend Gilberto Silva, who added fuel to the fire in publically advising the fiorentina and ex-almeria midfield enforcer to jet in to the emirates. However despite his impressive performances and progress not just over the confeds cup but over the last two/three years as a whole, his disciplinary was enough beef for wenger to not let his head turn.
Wenger has more confidence in place with someone who he has seen first hand with a previous trial, knows personally, have upbeat reviews drummed into him and probably feels the time is right to make this move for both parties. The player in question is Lorik Cana marseille, a strong breeded, energetic, charismatic central midfielder with height, experience of not only CL football but the pressure which constrains a big club, also edearning hisself to the fans for his leadership qualities(which has also been mentioned for the aforementioned Thomas Vermaelen coincidentally)
Marseille have reportedly agreed a deal to take Lucho Gonzalez to the Stade Veledrome for a figure reported to be in the 17m Euros bracket. There is no smoke without fire on this one as part of being part of a recoup in the face of Cana, who i have been told could be on the move for as much as £12m plus with maybe Emmanuel Eboue chucked in too as a sweetener. Watch this space, this could be a coup if there was ever was one.........