Dann, Fabregas & Gourcuff + Miyaichi

£6m man? - Scott Dann

Scott Dann: Dann has been linked with the Gunners since before the close of 2010/11, however today stronger rumours have emerged, suggesting that a deal for the 6ft 2ins centre back to move to the Emirates is imminent. It has been reported that Dann will move to Arsenal for around £6m. His absence - from the Carling Cup final onwards - from the Blue's defence has been widely accredited as one of the key factors in Birmingham's irreversible slump in form, which eventually saw them relegated from the Premier League.

Big spenders Liverpool have also been heavily linked with a move for the Birmingham defender, and could rival Arsenal in any bidding war. At 24 he would represent a player with both youth and Premiership experience. Many would also argue that the talented centre-half is worth more than £6m, so he could be considered a bit of a bargain too. It is suggested that he is as good, technically, as Bolton's Gary Cahill (another defender both Arsenal and Liverpool have been strongly linked with) but is much better value for money, at around £10m less. Goal.com claim that Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign him.

Cesc Fabregas: Sadly, Cesc would seem to be nearing the exit door at the Emirates, with Arsenal reportedly beginning to accept that Barcelona will never pay the £40m he is worth, and they're demanding for him. It is being reported that Arsenal are on the verge of accepting a €35m bid which would rise to €40m depending on his performance. Fabregas will also, reportedly, have to take a pay cut to join the European Champions. It is sad that the Arsenal talisman would appear to be so close to a return to his boyhood club, but Barca's persistence has been impressive. I think I predicted on this blog at the start of the summer that we would have one more season from the skipper, but that is looking less and less likely. I just hope that Fabregas gets the opportunity to bid farewell to the Emirates faithful before any move.

Could Gourcuff
be a Fab replacement?

Yoann Gourcuff: His is a name which has been mentioned as a possible arrival to replace Fabregas. The creative French midfielder is definitely talented, but struggled last season following a £20m move from Bordeaux to Lyon. Currently injured, Gourcuff, who has 4 years remaining on his current deal, should be back for around the middle of September, and would probably be available for around the £15m mark. Marouane Chamakh is full of praise for his former teammate, saying that he would be the one person he would recommend to Wenger to replace Fabregas with. Chamakh and Gourcuff had a fantastic partnership when they were at Bordeaux - something which it could be beneficial to recreate in N5.

An intelligent and creative, attacking midfielder, Gourcuff is one player who might be able to fill the rather large boots Fabregas' possible departure would leave, should Arsenal look to the transfer market rather than the current squad to replace him.

A quick word also on Ryo Miyaichi, the Japanese youngster has been granted a 'special talent' work permit, and will be able to feature for the Gunners this season. We had some glimpses of his class and potential during preseason, and with his ferocious pace, the Arsenal wingers could give defences a torrid time this season. Both Walcott and Miyaichi have similar sprint times. A good crosser of the ball, I wouldn't be surprised if Miyaichi features in some capacity in Saturday's season opener at Newcastle.

Is Dann the right man? Could Gourcuff replace Fabregas? Looking forward to seeing Miyaichi? Let me know on Twitter - @Goonernl - or through the comments.