This summer appears to be no different from the previous ones as yet again we see Europe’s top clubs sniffing around Arsenal’s star players. This is the time of year where many people choose to go on holiday and relax before going back to work, however Arsene Wenger does not get that luxury as it becomes ever more likely that one of his star men is rumoured to be leaving the capital.

This year’s target is Arsenal’s African talisman Emmanuel Adebayor and his future at the club remains in question and reports coming out of the club suggest that Wenger may be prepared to cash in on his proposed price tag of £30million. The question that I have is that, if this is true, would this be a step in the wrong direction?

When asked this week about his future, Emmanuel told the BBC: “The most important thing for me is to keep on enjoying my football. I’m staying at Arsenal.” However later on, to add even more confusion to the story, he then said this in an interview with Sky Sports: “We will have to meet with the manager {Arsene Wenger} before anything can be decided. But, as you know better than anyone, a lot of teams want me to play for them.”

Evidence shows that Arsene Wenger has been correct in selling his players at ‘the right time’ but the progress that the team has made, and in particular Adebayor, indicates that selling him would leave Arsenal with a lot to do in finding a replacement. The striker’s work ethic and eye for goal were pivotal in helping him find the net 30 times last season and I am sure that it would have been more had he not had a dry patch. Once again, if he were to be sold for £30m then Arsenal would be making a large profit on the £3millon they shelled out on him, but how much would an adequate replacement cost?

Players that have been talked about are Blackburn Rovers’ Roque Santa Cruz and VFB Stuttgart’s Mario Gomez and these are two players who enjoyed good seasons in their respected leagues. Gomez, who struck 19 times last season in the Bundesliga, and Santa Cruz, who grabbed 19 goals in the Premier League, both certainly appear to have the finishing capabilities to adapt to the Premier League but would they offer the same work rate and team work as the Togolese hit man?

Santa Cruz would arguably be the preferred choice as he would not require the time to adapt to the league and there is no telling how Gomez would fit in but both would seemingly be cheaper than what Barcelona or AC Milan will have to pay for Adebayor. The best option for the Gunners to choose though, would be to keep hold of their star striker. If Arsenal are to build on last season and end their hunt for a major trophy they need to stay united as a unit and that does not mean selling one of their best players.

Whatever the outcome the speculation will continue until a final decision is made on where the striker’s future lies next season. Adebayor has come out and stated that he wants to remain at the club and Mr Wenger has also gone on record as saying that the player is not for sale. But Arsenal fans will undoubtedly be only too happy to see the back of another rumour filled transfer window.