Arsenal defensive signing: Club make contact with defender’s agent
Aug 18, 2016 at 7:06 PM
Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Monaco defender Marcel Tisserand.
A report in France Football suggested Arsene Wenger has his eye on the 23-year-old Congo international.
According to , the Gunners have made contact with Tisserand’s agent through intermediaries about a possible switch.
Tisserand, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Toulouse, is reportedly flattered by Arsenal’s interest.
But it is claimed a deal is ‘very unlikely’ because he is already in talks with Ligue 1 side St Etienne.
Wenger is on the hunt for a new central defender with Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi his top target.
When asked at this morning’s press conference about the latest on a potential arrival, he said: “It was important before the (Liverpool) game.
“You do not sign players because you think it’s very important or not.
“I think it’s very difficult to find players and identify them.
“That’s why everyone is on the market for the same players and the deals.”
The DR Congo international impressed on loan at Toulouse last season, and his versatility could be useful for Wenger.
Tisserand, who can play centre-back or right-back, is reportedly being considered to ease Arsenal’s defensive injury problems.
However, Arsene Wenger has reassured worried Arsenal fans he intends to spend before the transfer deadline.
The signing of Granit Xhaka for £35million remains the club’s only capture this summer despite their attempts to land a striker and centre back.
The lack of action has concerned Gunners fans who have grown frustrated at the lack of spending.
One player who won’t be signing is Algerian Riyad Mahrez after he penned a new four-year deal at Leicester.