Transfer "target" list goes to 111

The World Cup in South Africa has got the Silly Season back into the groove. From way back in springtime, when Marouane Chamakh was touted in the media as a new Arsenal signing, we've reached 111 professional footballers linked with the club as potential signings.

Fresh off the press today, the full back Cesar Azpilicueta of Osasuna. The Daily Mail reckons Arsenal will get him for less than the £12m asking price if they act fast. Heard that one before?

But unlike Azpilicueta, most targets nowadays are playing well in the World Cup. The Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Eneyama has been linked, as well as full back Gregory van der Wiel of the Netherlands and, of course, the German wonderkid Mesut Özil, so impressive against Australia.

For agents, the World Cup is Christmas and New Years' and three birthdays all at once. Only every four years can they get this much attention for their clients, even those who normally play in obscurity. Like Madjid Bougherra of Rangers and Algeria, usually not a headline grabbing defender, but linked with Arsenal? Clear the sports pages!