It is no secret that Arsenal are interested in Schalke's Julian Draxler and although a move did not materialise this transfer window, the likelihood is Draxler will leave Schalke in the summer. However, Draxler remains one of the top talents in Europe and will not have a shortage of suitors when the eventual decision to leave Schalke comes.
Known for having tight pockets, Wenger has attempted to disprove his critics that say he does not flex Arsenal's financial power and bring in enough top players by signing Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.
However, old habits die hard and seemed to revert back to the Wenger of old in the January transfer window. The Gunner's were in dire need of a striker to add cover for first choice Giroud and provide competition, as well as another central midfielder as a stop gap. The Frenchman however opted not to spend and choose to bring in veteran midfielder Kim Kallstrom.
Talent of Draxler's calibre is not going to come cheap. If Wenger does not spend big, he will have no hope of securing the young German and will be outbid by another European super power who are more than happy to meet Schalke's demands.
If Wenger does miss out on Draxler, expect to see Arsenal make a move for Marseille's central attacking midfielder Mathieu Valbuena. Reports suggest that both Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in Valbuena who could be on the move this summer.
Marseille's interim coach Jose Anigo has said he will not stop the Frenchman leaving if the right offer comes in. Anigo said: "If we recieved a good offer, we won't force him to stay. He has given a lot to our club so if he wants to he can leave."
A cheaper alternative to Draxler, Valbuena is a player who comes from France with very high regard. Known as one of the most creative players in Ligue 1, he could well be what Wenger is looking for. In the same position as Draxler, the French international is a clever player and standing at 5ft 6 inches he is quick, mobile and boasts fantastic technical ability.
A bid of around £10 million could be enough to secure Valbuena if Wenger is intent on adding to an already packed midfield which has players of Carzola, Ozil and Rosisky's ability in the attacking midfielder role. Valbuena could be at least three times cheaper than Draxler, but at the age of 29 he is not getting any younger.
Mathieu Valbuena could well be Wenger's plan B if things go wrong with primary target Julian Draxler, so expect Arsenal to be heavily connected to both players in the coming months. Valbuena, like Draxler, will have many clubs after him in the summer and he could well step up to a bigger club, even if he doesn't move to the Emirates.
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