Arsene Wenger must decide whether to step up his interest in Aston Villa's unsettled England international Gareth Barry following the departure of long-serving midfielder Gilberto Silva.
The exit of the 31-year-old World Cup winner - a member of the 2003/2004 'Invincibles' side - to Greek side Panathinaikos came a day after unsettled Alexander Hleb finally got his wish in a move to Barcelona.
With the combative Mathieu Flamini having also left on a free transfer to AC Milan at the end of last season, Wenger is facing up to the task of rebuilding the heartbeat of a team which set the early pace in the Barclays Premier League last season before eventually fading out of the title race.
Although Frenchman Abou Diaby would relish the chance of cementing his place alongside Euro 2008 winner Cesc Fabregas after often being utilised out wide, Wenger will, as ever, have a back-up plan in mind.
Barry would seem to fit into the Arsenal jigsaw, a player capable of holding the midfield together while allowing Fabregas the freedom to roam.
However, despite having made tentative enquiries about the availability of the 27-year-old - now back in training following a ban and fine after criticising Villa manager Martin O'Neill - the Gunners are understood to be unwilling to match the £18million price tag which the midlands club have insisted on during their protracted dealings with Liverpool.
Gilberto joined the Gunners shortly after Brazil's World Cup triumph and became an ever-dependable member of the squad, stepping in as captain on many occasions.
Despite coming towards the end of his career, the veteran is not finished yet.
He said: "I'm hungry to win more titles.
"I came to Greece because I have big ambitions, it's very important for me to be able to continue to give my best.
"I'm sure we will qualify through to the group stages of the Champions League and I'm excited about being a Panathinaikos player."
Wenger has already made additions to his playing staff this summer, in promising Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff for £5million and £12million attacking winger Samir Nasri as he puts faith in youth once more.
Arsenal fans will get a glimpse into that future when Ramsey lines up alongside the likes of Theo Walcott and young Mexican striker Carlos Vela in a pre-season friendly at Barnet on Saturday.
However, there is no doubt the Gunners still need some experience in the middle of the park - which Barry would certainly bring - if they are to mount another assault on domestic and European honours next season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's own valuation of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor seems to have fended off the interest of AC Milan, who following the capture of Ronaldinho declared their transfer dealings done for the summer.
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Comment 1 - 7 of 7
i think wenger needs either Barry or Alonso in midf and an experienced attacker like Eto'o would be invaluable in Arsenal's quest for the champion league's trophy. Another experienced defender too would be welcome
give me alonso any day. barry is good but i think gerrad makes him look good at times. i still think at arsenal we will see diaby partnering cesc its all about who can partner cesc because fabo cannot go forward then we have a problem as flamini did that last season defend and cover cesc. the wings are done i think with rocky coming back in afew weeks, also there samir, ramsey and wallcot. strikers we have good cover vela, rvp, ade(definately not going) and bendtner.
defence usual guard but would like to see nordverdt given a chance.
WE NEED ESSIEN, LENNON AND MARTINS !!!
Liverpool is crazy going for Barry since they have the likes of Gerrad , Alonso and Javier Mascherano for central midfielder. Barry is fit for Arsenal, but if he goes to Looser pool than Alonso will go to Arsenal.
Overall Barry is just extra for Liverpool, after all its Benitez who waste a lot on unnecessary transfers.
".. Wenger will, as ever, have a back-up plan in mind." He is got back ups in the form of Alex Song, the tough tackling tough as a tick player. And there is Denilson remember Wenger said Denilson will be a world class player.
Barry is not much of a defensive midfielder. The only time he played in that role was in an England shirt under Maclaren who is not much of a manager anyway. Otherwise Barry was all along playing at Left back or as a winger before O’Neil started playing him in the Fabregas role. Nigel ReoC is their defensive midfielder.
You need at four players who can play in the 2 central midfield positions. Arsenal has four specialists. Dourou can play there if there is a crisis, Rosiscky too.
Well said, but I equally think the entire Arsenal defence line needs a complete overhaul. Jojo
Also watch out for Jack Wilshere this season!
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