Is Arsene Wenger about to conclude further transfer business ahead of the season opener at Anfield? His desire to finalise all transfer targets ahead of the World Cup proved to be difficult, with a frustrating amount of his energy having to be devoted to rebuffing all Barcelona efforts to prize Cesc Fabregas to Spain. Having settled into their usual pre-season routine of the trip to Austria and then the playing of the Emirates Cup next weekend – AC Milan, Celtic and Lyon are the other clubs taking part, the likelihood of further arrivals at the Emirates could be imminent.

Defence
Firstly however Wenger has to ascertain what William Gallas will be doing, as in all probability a deal taking the defender to Serie A is more than likely. Even with Eduardo’s departure to the Ukraine finalised last week, Wenger will be happy with his striking options, but the lack of cover in the area of defence and also in the goal-keeping department will concern the Arsenal manager. Wenger has been an admirer of Everton’s Phil Jagielka and Bolton’s Gary Cahill, and both would slot in well at the heart of the Gunners’ defence. Understandably, neither the Toffees or the Trotters want to be business just yet. However the maxim that won Wenger three Premiership titles – you need an English mentality to win the English Premier League – may have suddenly been remembered by Wenger.

'Keeper
Having given Manuel Almunia sufficient opportunities to establish himself as the Arsenal number one ‘keeper, Wenger has been reluctant to thrust Almunia into pre-season activity, with Arsenal heavily linked with the arrival of Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer. The Australian stopper would relish the opportunity to make the cross capital switch, but manager-less Fulham are reluctant to do business? So could Wenger be about to cast his eye at David James? The Portsmouth ‘keeper is due for talks at Celtic, but the experience and his availability on a free will make the England number one an attractive option should Wenger go down that route.

Sol Campbell has all but ended his rumoured exit from Arsenal, and his continued valued experience will be a welcome addition for the new season. Wenger could do worse than picking the up the phone to call James to discuss a deal which would take very little to be take shape.

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