Arsenal could make a triple raid of Newcastle in January, according to a weekend report by the News of the World.
The Gunners are in search of a new keeper to provide competition to Manuel Almunia, and his scouts have told him that there is nobody better available for a decent price than Newcastle stalwart Shay Given.
Given has had his injury issues over the years, and his back line hasn’t particularly helped him out much this season. But, he’s been one of the top keepers in the Premier League over the last decade, and even though Newcastle lost 5-1 to Liverpool on Sunday, the defeat could’ve been much more humiliating if not for several saves from the Irishman.
Given could be available for £8m, and though there may be some reluctance about selling him, it’s fair to say that he deserves better than his current situation. Besides, Steve Harper is ever at the ready to take his place, and there are also two promising young keepers in Tim Krul (on loan at Carlisle United) and Fraser Forster (on loan at Stockport County).
Along with Given, Arsenal could pursue defender Steven Taylor and the versatile Charles N’Zogbia in an attempt to get some much-needed depth throughout the squad.
Taylor hasn’t featured regularly in Joe Kinnear’s starting XI recently, and the right offer could see him leave St. James’ Park. Arsenal could use some cover in the center of defense, whether or not William Gallas happens to leave in January or in the summer, and the 22-year-old Taylor has a lot of potential.
N’Zogbia has recently stated his desire to leave Newcastle, and the 22-year-old Frenchman said in the summer that he’d love to move to Arsenal. However, the Gunners could have some competition from Aston Villa and Tottenham for N’Zogbia, who could cost £5m.
The money received from these sales could help Kinnear make some much-needed reinforcements throughout the squad as he looks to steer the club as far away from the relegation zone as possible.
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