Arsenal set to raid Swansea for duo

The Gunners fell to an embarrassing opening Premier League weekend defeat, falling 3-1 to Aston Villa at the Emirates with French centre-back Lorient Koscielny receiving a red-card.

As a result of the suspension and a series of untimely injuries, manager Arsene Wenger only has Per Mertesacker to choose as an established centre-half, with Thomas Vermaelen, Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna all out on the sidelines. Williams captains both Swansea and Wales, and the composed defender has impressed mightily since his promotion to the Premier League with Swansea two years ago. Last term, he also led the club to a League Cup victory. His leadership qualities, and his ability to pass the ball the out of the defence mean he is rated around £10m, although the Welsh club will try desperately not to lose their skipper.

Michu only arrived at Swansea last summer, but has taken the league by storm. 19 league goals as seen his value rise through the roof, and boss Michael Laudrup would only expect an astronomical bid, probably close to £25m.
Gunners fans are desperate for their side to recruit new players, having so far only brought in French youngster Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer.
Deals for Williams and Michu would appease some, but many would feel that £35m is way too much to pay for mid-table Premier League players. These fans had hoped the club would bring in either Gonzalo Higuain or Luis Suarez, but with the former joining Napoli, and Liverpool refusing to let their Uruguayan striker leave – Arsenal are running out of options.