A look at the latest Arsenal transfer rumours involve a possible bid for Santi Cazorla from Atletico Madrid, interest in Baba Rahman and the departure of Lukas Podolski.
First to the big news; this may actually irk many supporters. The Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are reported to be mulling over a bid for Santi Cazorla. This is part of their plans to look for a possible replacement to Arda Turan.
The Turkey international has already announced his intentions of leaving the club. He even proclaimed that there are three-four clubs interested and the discussions are going. Latest rumours coming out of Spain claimed that he was in talks with Barcelona and close to a deal with them.
But the 28-year old Turan was quick to dismiss these rumours and announce that he is still discussing with various clubs. However, the entire scenario meant that Atletico will have to plan for his departure.
Cazorla has been linked with a move to the Vicente Calderon for the past three summers. Turan’s expected departure could make Atletico more determined to seal his signature.
The Spanish mid-field wizard has one year remaining on his contract with the Gunners. But, he is coming off a wonderful season at the Emirates stadium. Having started 33 league games last term, he endeared himself to the supporters with stellar performances.
For many critics and supporters, Cazorla is one of the club’s best players of the last season. Analysts were quick to add these two stories and come up with the news that Cazorla and Turan will be swapping places. It still is very early to call it as anything more than a fancy rumour.
Meanwhile, Wenger has been told that signing Baba Rahman from the German side Augsburg will cost him £14 million. The Ghana international is one of the reasons why Augsburg finished as high as fifth in the Bundesliga last season.
Wenger is reportedly behind the 21-year-old for quite some time and would definitely be interested in a bid. However there are other clubs also interested including Chelsea and Manchester City. Again, nothing concrete at this stage on this rumour.
Finally, Lukas Podolski is close to joining the Turkey side Galatasaray. He joined Arsenal from the German side FC Koln in 2012. Last season was a big disappointment for him as he struggled for game time; first half of the season at Arsenal and the second half on loan at Inter. Galatasaray definitely provides a new challenge for him.
Sridhar