Of the centre mids we've been linked with, some more loosely than others - Schneiderlin, cabaye, Lars bender, Khedira, Krychowiak, wanyama, Kramer, Marchisio and others

I now think Krychowiak and Marchisio interest me most

Marchisio is probably the most talented one of them, but at 29 and only playing in Serie A so far ... doesnt really strike me as a safe bet.
Krychnowiak is bit of a wildcard - just made the step up from Ligue 1, can he do another one in 6 months?
Kramer is undoubtedly the next big thing in German midfield, but he would not solve anything immediately for us, exciting talent though.

Wanyama/Schneiderlin are probably the ones who want to move the most, but Southampton is looking for another hefty payday for them and i doubt Wenger would ever consider paying those prices.
Khedira will most likely move on Bosman in the summer.

So that leaves us with Cabaye who's reportedly unhappy at PSG, knows the league and we have history of interest in him
Or Lars Bender

Cabaye isn't good enough for my liking. Better than Flamini is a poor argument, especially when we need two players who are better than Arteta.

@lorddulaarsenal wrote:

Assuming no big splash

This'd rock for the Jan Tran

Nastasic
Krychowiak

This. And then Khedira or Marchisio in the summer. But then there's no point with the Wenger in charge, not serious enough.

@lorddulaarsenal wrote:

Of the centre mids we've been linked with, some more loosely than others - Schneiderlin, cabaye, Lars bender, Khedira, Krychowiak, wanyama, Kramer, Marchisio and others

I now think Krychowiak and Marchisio interest me most

Those players would be shopping in the top 4 market. None of the top teams would touch them.

Khedira being the exclusion of course, but his injuries are a worry.

Don't be silly

-----Alexis-------Walcott
-------------Ozil
----Wilshere----Ramsey
--------Schneiderlin
Gibbs--Kos--Merte--Debuchy
----------Szczesny

Sporting now own 100% of Carvalho, wonder if we'll go back in for him in January.

Did Kami ever make it out of that bog alive?

Rather Wanyama than Carvalho.

How about this clrnc?

-------Alex-------Walcott
--------------Ozil
----Wanyama-----Pogba
-----------Carvalho
Gibbs--Kos--Merte-Debuchy
----------Szczesny

Rather Ramsey than Wanyama.

Wish we'd spunk all our dosh on Vidal.

I'd imagine there's a small chance we'd go for him, due to the Alexis factor.

Personally I don't rate him as highly as most. Think there's better ways to spend that sort of loot

He's as good as they come, and he can play in every possible position across midfield and boss it. Only tiny, itty bitty negative about the man is that he is only 5ft 11in. Some may say we need someone at least 6ft in there, but I say 'Naaaah' to that.

Yeah he's clearly a very good player.

I understand wanting a more physical type too. Personally I think getting someone who can distribute the ball well is vital

Vidal can be every bit as physical when he wants as one of them big bruisers. He is a top class footballer too though, and energetic like his compatriot Alexis. Playing against those two together must be an effin' pain, and I'd like to think that the two of them together here would make both more keen to stay even if we'll struggle for a while longer.

I wouldn't mind someone like William Carvalho though, but he'd be a bit of a risk where Vidal would be the sure thing.

Rex wrote:

He's as good as they come, and he can play in every possible position across midfield and boss it. Only tiny, itty bitty negative about the man is that he is only 5ft 11in. Some may say we need someone at least 6ft in there, but I say 'Naaaah' to that.

I don't really think we should get hung up on height Rex, I'm more interested in mental and physical toughness coupled with hunger in players, in that light I'd prefer an African or Sth American in that position and as Sanchez is obviously important to our situation keeping him happy is paramount and so Vidal sounds ideal.

Vidal would be a fantastic addition to our midfield, no doubts about that. He would cost a bomb though I imagine.