Confirmed: Arsenal boss firms up interest in Cazorla replacement

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is upping his interest in midfielder Aleksandr Golovin, who currently plies his trade in Russia with CSKA Moscow.

The 21 year-old has been on the French manager’s radar for some time now, having made his international debut back in 2015, and now looks like he will be the subject of an offer from the Gunners.

Wenger himself is stated to have meant to have been planning to travel to watch him play following glowing reports from his scouts, but David Sansun claims he asked him to go along in his place.

Asked if he was at Russia vs Mexico for work or pleasure: "Arsene Wenger called me, asked me to watch Golovin again. He was going to come.."

— David Sansun (@RFN_David) July 4, 2017

The player’s agent is claiming a deal will be completed for just over £10 Million, although the report claims that he will likely stay with his club until the summer of 2018. No reason is cited for him staying for the following 12 months, but guaranteed football ahead of the World Cup in Russia next summer would make sense.

Arsenal may have to pursue other midfield targets should his arrival be delayed by 2 months however, having lost Santi Cazorla to injury, while Francis Coquelin is also being touted for a possible exit.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see our club try and bring him in this summer instead, and his fee will certainly not be an issue for our.

I would imagine he would battle with Aaron Ramsey for a starting berth alongside Granit Xhaka at the base of our midfield, and would more-or-less be guaranteed plenty of football considering the consistent injury issues suffered by the Welshman.

Could Golovin earn a first-team role in our side this season? Would he come in to replace Coquelin or only to cover for Cazorla?

Pat J