Arsenal Transfers - 10 Dream Replacements For Thomas Vermaelen

9. William Carvalho

Arsenal have been tracking William Carvalho for much of the summer with manager Arsene Wenger keeping tabs on the in-demand Sporting Lisbon star. Wenger is also keen on Sami Khedira but sees Carvalho as a cheaper alternative to the Real Madrid man. Though usually a defensive midfielder by trade, Carvalho's secondary position is at centre-back meaning like Alderweireld, the multifaceted 22-year-old's versatility would allow Wenger a variety of options this season. The Gunners are in the market for a dominant holding midfielder of the ilk of club legend Patrick Vieira, but also need cover at centre-half following Koscielny's temporary set-back and Vermaelen's sale. Carvalho could play both roles when required and has a £35 million buy-out clause. He's by no means cheap but he definitely represents a less-expensive alternative to Khedira, who would want a four-year contract worth £150,000-a-week. Signing Carvalho would be a shrewd move on Wenger's part in that he could shore up two key areas in one fell swoop.