Arsenal roundup: A sensational striker bid lined up, Perez gets Wenger backing and more interesting stories!
Oct 26, 2016 at 11:06 AM
After a slow start, Arsenal is on track as they maintained consistency over the last few weeks. The Gunners only had one point from their opening two games of the season as Arsene Wenger was heavily criticized for his lack of spending in the transfer window.
Wenger has addressed key issues by signing Perez and Mustafi towards the end of transfer window. The Gunners have managed to eclipse their slow start as they have managed six back to back wins in Premier League which made them genuine contenders for the title early in the season coupled with an important draw against PSG away as they now have the chance to top their Champions League group if they play to their potential.
Here we look at all the important news involving Arsenal today.
Arsene Wenger has urged striker Lucas Perez to make the most of the chance against Reading in the EFL clash.
“He did extremely well against Ludogorets because he came on and gave two great goals,” the Frenchman said.
“He was a bit like the rest of the team against Middlesbrough, in that he could not have as big an impact because the whole team was not functioning as well.
“I believe he has the potential to be a great player for us. In training he continues to show he has the potential to play, he now has to transfer that into the games.
“The more he does that — against Reading he will have an opportunity — the more we will be tempted to say, ‘let’s do it.'”
Arsene Wenger has confirmed striker Olivier Giroud would be included in the squad against Reading. The 30-year old has suffered a toe injury that has kept him out in the recent weeks. The boss has also confirmed long term absentee Carl Jenkinson would be playing the game as he recently recovered from his injuries.
“I think Olivier will be included, but for Aaron it is too early although he is back in full training now,” Wenger told the official Arsenal website.
“Jenkinson will be back and will play.”
Italian champions Juventus have joined the race to sign French teenage sensation Franck Kessie, according to reports.
The 19-year old is a target for Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. He is expected to leave his current club Atlanta this January amid increasing interest. According to TMW, Juventus has been scouting the teenager in the recent weeks as they are keen to keep him in Italy.
Arsenal and Chelsea target Marco Veratti is calm on his future at Paris Saint-Germain, according to his agent Di Campli.
The midfielder has reportedly fallen out with new manager Unai Emery as reports suggest he is looking to move away from the club after a heated exchange with the new boss last weekend.
“I can’t say much, I prefer not to say much,” Di Campli told Tuttomercatoweb. “What’s certain is that Marco is absolutely serene. He’s very calm.”
Arsenal are leading the race to sign Juventus young sensation Moise Kean, according to reports in Italy.
The 16-year old striker is one of the best young players in Europe as he managed to net 24 goals for Juventus U-17 side last season in just 25 appearances. Manchester City, Real Madrid and PSG are all interested in the player.
However, according to calciomercato, Arsenal are leading the race for the Italian striker who could the next big thing.