July 6

I would like to start by addressing those who used to comment in the old comments section of the blog but are reluctant – for a reason or another – to join the discussion in the new forum. If you are one of them, please send an e-mail to forum@thegunninghawk.com and let us know your opinion, this is because we are considering bringing the old comments section back.

Off to the rumours. Two Serie A players, a Brasilian-born midfielder and a very talented Argentinian striker are today’s players linked with a possible move to Arsenal.

According to Italian website Tutto Mercato Web (in Italian), the Gunners are ready to make a move for Inter Milan’s Thiago Motta. Also wanted by Zenit and AS Roma, it is unlikely for the 28-year old to leave the former Serie A Champions especially now that they hired former Genoa manager Gian Piero Gasperini who coached him when the two were with the Red-Blues a couple of seasons ago.

Tutto Mercato Web also reported on Tuesday that we are ready to offer £27m to sign Napoli’s Ezequiel Lavezzi. Also heavily linked with Manchester City, the 26-year was instrumental in helping Napoli secure a Champions League spot for next season as he formed a lethal offensive trio with Marek Hamšík and Edinson Cavani.

And before moving on to today’s poll, a look at yesterday’s results in which we collected more than 1,600 votes. Despite his age, goalkeeper Shay Given collected more than 650 positive votes from our readers with Wolves’ Kevin Doyle collecting more or less 450 votes.

As always, please let us know your preference on today’s linked players and don’t be shy to join the discussion in our newly-launched Arsenal forum.

Player Profile

Ezequiel Lavezzi

Date of birth: 03/05/1985

Place of birth: Villa Gobernador Gálvez

Age: 26

Height: 1,73

Nationality: Argentina, Italy

Position: Striker

Foot: Right

Market Value: £21m

Thiago Motta

Date of birth: 28/08/1982

Place of birth: São Bernardo do Campo

Age: 28

Height: 1,87

Nationality: Italy, Brazil

Position: Central Midfield

Foot: Left

Market Value: £13.2m

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