Arsenal Roundup: Ligue 1 Star Lined Up, Mustafi Promises Fans And More
Dec 10, 2016 at 11:20 AM
After a slow start, Arsenal seems to be finally track as they’ve maintained consistency over the last few weeks. The Gunners only had one point from their opening two games of the season and Arsene Wenger was heavily criticized for not spending enough in the transfer window.
Wenger 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 remained unbeaten in the league post the opening day defeat, which made them genuine contenders for the title early in the season coupled with some good football in champions league, which saw them win the group after an impressive 4-1 victory away to Swiss champions FC Basel.
Here we look at all the important news involving Arsenal.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has refused to speak on the speculations about the interest of the Blues in Arsenal’s star Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez is in fine form this season as he scored 11 goals from 14 Premier League games so far but has not signed a contract extension despite continued negotiations.
“I don’t think it’s right to talk about the other players of other teams,” Conte said about Sanchez interest. “It’s not right. Now we are totally focused on the next game against West Brom. January or next season are very far [away] for us.
“It’s not right to talk about the players of other teams. It’s a lack of respect for their players, their clubs, my team and my club.”
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes reckons that this could finally be Arsenal’s year to win the Premier League as the Gunners have been very consistent since the start of the season.
The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League games and are tipped to be one of the favorites to win the league this season.
“Arsenal, as a team, look in good shape and whilst we have a lot of confidence, given their form too, it isn’t a good time to play them,” Hughes said.
“At times, Arsenal have struggled with consistency and it has cost them, but you sense this could be their year.”
Arsenal summer signing Shkodran Mustafi has vowed to give his all for the cause of the club. The German defender has looked brilliant since his signing during late August as his partnership with Koscielny has made a huge difference in the defense for the club this season.
“You have to respect the fans a lot,” the German told Goal. “They’re not earning the money we are earning and pay to come into the stadium, sometimes away trips, plus transport.
“It shows you how much they love this club and you have to give them respect for that.
“What I can give them back is trying to give them everything back on the pitch. As long as I work for the club that they love, I’m just going to give everything, so I’m happy with myself and make people happy.”
Arsenal are tracking the progress of Monaco starlet Gabriel Boschilia as they look to sign the talented midfielder, according to Foot Mercato.
The 20-year old Brazilian is tipped to be the next big thing in the French Ligue 1 and his progress has drawn interest from Italian champions Juventus as well. The Gunners are keeping tabs on Boschilia as the January transfer window arrives.
Liverpool have joined the race to sign French teenage sensation Franck Kessie, according to reports.
The 19-year old is also a target for Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. He is expected to leave his current club Atlanta this January amid increasing interest. According to Corriere dello Sport, Liverpool has kick started the battle with an early £18.5m move for Kessie.