Magpies to lose their feathers?

With Newcastle, Portsmouth and West Ham stating recently that they are strapped for cash and need to sell players, who would be good for the Gunners?

Newcastle:

Shay Given would have been a perfect replacement for Jens Lehmann a few years ago, but with Manuel Almunia in top form and Lukasz Fabianski growing in stature, spending £8 million on a 31 year-old goalkeeper would seem a bit excessive.

Steven Taylor, the Geordie skipper would hate to leave his hometown club, but with Newcastle struggling, a move to the capitol would be appealing. He has all the attributes Arsenal have lacked in central defence this year including aerial ability and strength. He may not come cheap but could solve Arsenal's defensive problems.

Charles N'Zogbia has been on the Arsenal radar for a few years, with Arsene Wenger being a keen admirer of the Frenchman. He has pace and power which Wenger loves and could be a useful wide player when injuries hit.

Michael Owen is reported to be stalling on a new deal and could be brought relatively cheaply. A proven goalscorer, he would be an able replacement in attack when needed.


West Ham:

Robert Green has been linked to Arsenal, but less experienced than Given and arguably less talented, this will probably be a no-go.

Matthew Upson was sold by Wenger after being on the fringes of the team for a few years. Now with experience and maturity, Upson would slot into the Arsenal defence with ease providing much-needed strength, power and technique.

Mark Noble is another West Ham youth graduate making it in the big time. A hard-working and technically-gifted young player, he would be an attractive prospect for Wenger either to replace Fabregas or to be moulded into the new Flamini.

Scott Parker did enough to gain a move to Chelsea, but his first-team chances were restricted. His time at West Ham has seen him become an accomplished holding midfielder, something Arsenal have severly lacked this season. A good passer, he could team up with Fabregas upon his return to create a deadly combination.

Dean Ashton was coveted by Wenger while he was at Crewe as a 17 year-old. A target man who scores goals, he could be an able replacement for the misfiring Niklas Bendtner if he is sold. The only concern would be his poor injury record.


Portsmouth:

Already depleated, it is hard to see who Wenger could buy apart from the skillful Croat, Niko Kranjcar. Struggling to get into the Pompey team in recent months, the ex-Zagreb player could be useful back-up for Arsenal but not much more.



Taylor or Upson could solve Arsenal's defensive problems and Parker or Noble could slot into the midfield, with N'Zogbia providing extra width. With quite afe strikers already Wenger would be reluctant to sign Owen or Ashton unless he sells one, Bendtner being the most likely to go.