Madjid Bougherra and Federico Marchetti on Arsenal Target List

While World Cup 2010 is going on with full swing, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is trying his best to complete the necessary signing as early as possible. Marouane Chamakh has so far been the lone signing for the North London club and it is pretty much understandable that Arsenal is now looking for a central defender and goalkeeper.

Reports available in the media suggest that Wenger has been impressed by Algerian defender Madjid Bougherra who starred in Algeria’s recent goalless stalemate with England.

Bougherra is currently playing for Scottish club Rangers. The 27-year-old has 2 more seasons left in his current contract with Rangers, but it seems Bougherra could move to Premier League if Arsenal and Rangers can reach an agreement. Wenger is reportedly lining up a £4 million bid for Madjid Bougherra.

Bougherra, though a defender, has very good attacking intent and very often contribute to his side’s attack. Moreover, he is also very strong in the air thanks to his 6 feet and 3 inches height.

Meanwhile, Arsenal has been reportedly linked with Italian goalkeeper Federico Marchetti. The Cagliari keeper is currently starting for Italy in the World Cup as Gianluigi Buffon is injured out. In the race of acquiring his service, Arsenal faces competition from German club Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich is also in search of a goalkeeper in the Summer transfer market. It seems Marchetti fits the bill very well for both Arsenal and Bayern.

Bougherra is not the only defender Arsenal has been interested in since the end of the last season. In fact, the Gunners are still tracking Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny.

When it comes to goalkeeper, Arsenal has been linked with at least half a dozen keepers including Italy’s no. 1 Buffon. Most recently, Arsenal courted Fulham’s Australian keeper Mark Schwarzer.