Three Newcastle players more valuable to Arsenal than Cabaye

After numerous failed efforts in the transfer window already this summer, there are signs that Arsenal are ready to step up their pursuits of many of their targets.

Yohan Cabaye is one such name, but it will come as no real surprise that an offer of £10m has been rebuffed by Newcastle. It will take at least £15m for the Gunners to get an approach even considered.

The big question hanging over Cabaye is whether he is of the required quality to improve Arsenal if an offer is finally accepted?

Arsenal’s squad depth is not up to scratch in numerous positions, but central midfield is certainly not one where they are lacking, especially in terms of someone who remains fairly central and tends to keep play ticking sideways and occasionally forward.

Cabaye is almost a Mikel Arteta mark II and it is hard to see the pair forming a central midfield capable of challenging for titles. Arsenal remain 5/4 to finish in the top four after losing to Aston Villa.

Instead of Cabaye, Arsenal would be better served boosting their squad with three alternate Newcastle players.

Tim Krul is one of the more dependable and error-free goalkeepers in the top flight and there is no reason to believe that he will not return to the impressive form he showcased in the 2011/12 season after being hampered by injury in the last campaign.

Cheick Tiote is another to have failed to live up to past expectations in the last campaign, but given that a defensive and tenacious midfielder is more of a need than another ball-playing option, he would arguably be better suited as a transfer target than Cabaye.

Third is Fabricio Coloccini and Newcastle enjoyed a higher win percentage and lower loss percentage with their captain in the side last season.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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