AC Milan striker M’Baye Niang has revealed that he could have moved to the Premier League prior to his switch to Italy, with Leicester, Everton and Arsenal all interested.
The 21 year-old was highly rated by his former side Caen, and he was catapulted through the youth ranks within the club. By age 15 he was a regular feature within the Under-19 side, and made his first-team debut as a 16 year-old, going on to score five league goals in his debut season.
The following summer he was believed to have held trials with Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton, and the player has just revealed that he had an offer to join Leicester last year also.
Niang said: “I could have played in the Premier League and I dream of playing there one day. They play the right football for my skills.
“When I moved to Milan, I could have moved to Arsenal or Everton instead. Two or three days before last year’s derby I received the offer of Leicester.”
The French Under-21 international has earned a regular role for his Serie A side, although is regularly used a winger or in behind the striker, despite his favoured role being the centre-forward.
His current side are no longer the giants they used to be in Italy or Europe, and he may well be looking to make the step-up to a regular Champions League side in the future, which may lead to him to pursue a Premier League move in the future.
Niang’s current contract runs until 2019, and could well have his future analysed next summer as he enters the final two years of his deal.
Arsenal like their versatile forwards, but with the likes of Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott, Alexis Sanchez and Lucas Perez all able to play as a forward as well as behind, there may not be room for him in our squad unless he makes a vast improvement.
Could Niang become a Gunner in the future? Would he have a role to play this term if he was at Arsenal already?
Pat J