Arsenal recorded a brilliant 0-2 victory against Manchester City during the weekend, reviving their top four ambitions. Although the Gunners did manage a clean sheet, keeping Sergio Agüero and co. at bay, they have face a struggle on the defensive front. Arsenal have already secured the services of Polish teenager Krystian Bielik, and are linked to two defensive recruits in today’s round-up
1. Winston Reid stalls over new contract amidst Arsenal talks
West Ham centre-half Winston Reid has made his intentions clear to join Arsenal, if the Gunners come knocking for his services, reports Mirror. The 26-year-old, whose current contract with the Hammers expires in the summer, is adamant moving to The Emirates, and does not want his current club to deny a ‘dream move’. The New Zealander was excluded from the starting line-up in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Hull after refusing to sign a new contract-extension. The Hammers are fetching at around £8million for Reid, while Gunners insist on paying no more than £4-5million. West Ham have lined-up Nigeria international Azubuike Egwuekwe, in case Reid opts to switch across London.
2. Villareal defender Gabriel reveals Arsenal talks
Villareal defender Gabriel Paulista’s agent is in talks with Arsenal over a possible move, according to The Guardian. The Brazilian, along with Mateo Musacchio have formed a formidable pairing at the heart of the defence, which has seen the Yellow Submarine go unbeaten in the league since early November. Performances like these have alerted Arsenal, who are in for a defender, and Gabriel has revealed that the Gunners are interested. “Whether I go to Arsenal or stay at Villarreal, I won’t lose my head. I’m very calm. My head is at Villarreal and I’m very focused. My agent is working on making sure I continue being calm.” He said. Villareal are also interested in loaning Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell from Arsenal, which might work as a possible sweetener in any deal to bring the Brazilian to London.
3. Coquelin to be offered new deal
The Guardian also suggests that Arsenal are in talks with young Frenchman Francis Coquelin. The 23-year-old was loaned out to Charlton Athletic in November, but injuries to midfielders Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Mathieu Flamini and Aaron Ramsey saw his loan-spell cut short, and has become an indispensable unit in Arsene Wenger’s midfield since. The former Freiburg loanee was particularly impressive in Arsenal’s 0-2 win over Manchester City, prompting the Gunners to tie down the midfielder to a long-term deal which expires in the summer.
4. Wenger rules out signing Khedira
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled out making a January move for Real Madrid outcast Sami Khedira. The German International, who was a vital cog in Los Blancos’ Champions League winning campaign last season, has become a bit part player since recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in November 2013. The Gunners were linked with a possible move for the 27-year-old, but Wenger has now claimed he doesn’t intend to sign a defensive midfielder, claiming he has ‘internal solutions’, referring to the rejuvenated Coquelin. The Frenchman, talking to Daily Star said,“Having to find solutions internally is a blessing.
“And at the moment it works well.”
Image Courtesy : Sky