With the buzzards and vultures circling Arsenal’s Champion League-less carcass, it seems the scavenger birds are intent on picking off the finest cuts of meat.

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Target an outcast from one of the elite

At the time of writing, it seems that James Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata are unwanted by Real Madrid – having played a total of 2,400 minutes between them. Arda Turan and Denis Suarez, two incredibly talented players are also frustrated with a lack of game time at Barcelona. Not to mention the insanely talented Douglas Costa at Bayern who failed to cement a first team position in Germany, despite the aging legs of Ribery and Robben.

Whilst you could argue whether any of these players could fill Alexis’ boots sufficiently, there is no shortage of options from those clubs above Arsenal and no insult in Arsenal taking the elite’s outcasts – since that is how Arsenal procured Özil and Alexis in the first place.

Alvaro Morata
SEVILLE, SPAIN – JANUARY 12: Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid CF reacts after missing a chance og al during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 Second Leg match between Sevilla FC vs Real Madrid CF at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on January 12, 2017 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Whilst I would be less inclined on Denis Suarez as a replacement, any of Morata, Rodriguez, Turan or Costa could help counterbalance the loss of Alexis.

Morata, despite starting 14 games in La Liga, managed to find the net 15 times. The Spaniard was also able to assist a colleague on four occasions. The striker is young enough to be value for money, even with Madrid’s asking price, but experienced enough to warrant paying it.

Another option would be Real Madrid’s forgotten man: James Rodriguez. It is no shame to be behind Bale and Isco in Madrid’s midfield. Yet, Rodriguez continues to impress when called upon. In a measly 14 starts, the Columbian scored eight and assisted six goals. At the age of 25, a heavy price tag would be outweighed by the longevity of his transfer and the touch of class he would bring to Arsenal’s attacking lineup.

Arda Turan’s numbers may be less impressive with only three goals and three assists in 14 starts, however, his all round play and his defensive contribution could go far in making his lesser numbers more valuable. Although the Turk has played the majority of his games in attacking midfield, there remains a suspicion that he could play in centre midfield and become an imposing attacking force from deep.

Douglas Costa, similarly, has failed to impress in terms of output. However, he remains an incredibly dangerous player whose pace and delivery would surely become an asset on Arsenal’s wings.

If Wenger doesn’t manage to convince Alexis to sign, then using the transfer money recouped, Arsenal would be hard pressed to find four better available alternatives.

Next chapter:
3. Pursue a rival’s key player

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