As the Arsenal team gears up to the pre-season with most of the players reporting to training, the activity on transfer rumour mill is showing no decline. Though these reports can’t be taken on face value, they can’t be shoved off easily too.
Arsenal has been linked with a move to their long standing interest, Manchester United winger Angel di Maria but the Gunners would pursue a deal only if the ‘deal fits into their financial framework’. In other words No Bloody Chance!
Another report puts the Gunners facing a battle with Aston Villa to sign Nice left-back Jordan Amavi. The 21-year-old has been on the scouting radar for Arsenal in recent months. He is valued at around £9 million. It is rumoured that Aston Villa have made an offer and further talks are expected in the next couple of days.
Another defender who is being talked about is Carl Jenkinson. The youngster is in line for an improved contract. He spent the last season on loan at West Ham and the club hopes to take him back on loan for the upcoming year too.
Talking of players moving out, there are reports that Bastia is showing an interest in Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini. The 31-year-old has slipped down the pecking order at Arsenal and is not sure of his place in the starting XI.
The news of Wenger looking for defensive midfield replacements must have unsettled him but what’s more unnerving is the new contract for club captain Mikel Arteta. He will definitely look to weigh up options ahead of making a decision on his future.
Reports coming from Colombia point that the national goalkeeper David Ospina may still stay in the Premier League for the new season. The report says that Everton will look at lodging a £5 million bid for the Gunners’ keeper.
Roberto Martinez apparently believes that Ospina could be the long term replacement for 36-year-old Tim Howard. The arrival of Petr Cech at Arsenal could also force Ospina into looking at other options. The prospect of staying in England could lure him if Martinez follows up his interest with a bid.
There are other reports linking Joel Campbell out of the club but there’s nothing building on that. As the pre-season tour approaches, Wenger will be eager to finalize the ins and outs of the squad, but we all know we will get a surprise from Le Prof at some point!
Sridhar