Friday, March 29, 2024

Gossip: Gundogan, Sterling, Higuain & More

With just six games remaining in the Premier League season, Arsenal’s transfer activity is underway as papers link the Gunners to a host of stars across world football. Today the links involve stars from Germany, England and Italy.

Arsenal To Launch Second Gundogan Approach (Kicker)

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Reports in Germany suggest that Arsenal will launch a second bid of around £20 to try and lure Borussia Dortmund ace Ilkay Gundogan to the Emirates. Arsene Wenger is said to have had a bid of £18.4m turned down earlier this year, when the window was open in January.

A defensive-midfielder, Gundogan would be a decent addition but his injury record over the past 18 months raises eyebrows and would result in questions should Arsenal be successful in their approach. However, the reports seem likely as Gundogan has been linked with an exit for a while and Dortmund are unlikely to have European football next term.

Sterling’s Behaviour Ends Arsenal Interest (Daily Mail)

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Arsenal’s interest in Liverpool star Raheem Sterling is set to be drawn to a close after the latest controversies surrounding the England winger, which relate to laughing gas and shisha- both of which Sterling was pictured using.

Arsene Wenger is known to have a strict no smoking attitude, just ask Wojciech Szczesny and Jack Wilshere, so the arrival of such player would be concerning for the Gunners. In truth, it doesn’t really change too much though as it was always unlikely Arsenal would snatch the player from their rivals.

Higuain ‘In Talks’ With Arsenal (Daily Star)

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Arsenal are in talks with Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain and will capture the player ahead of their Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, according to reports.

The Argentine ace is said to be unhappy in Naples and could be on the move this summer, which appeals to Arsenal as they target back-up for star-striker Olivier Giroud. Reports suggest Arsenal will pay £29m for the highly-rated forward.

A move of this magnitude would be surprising, as Olivier Giroud’s form suggests he will be the main forward at Arsenal next season. Therefore, such an expensive addition would certainly raise eyebrows- as it’s more likely the Gunners side a player that would be more happier with squad rotation.

Arsenal Target Real Madrid Midfielder Illarramendi (Fichajes)

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Arsenal are once again being linked with a move to Real Madrid misfit Asier Illarramendi, as they look to bolster their defensive midfield. The Basque star is out of favour at the Santiago Bernabeu and will decide on his future this summer.

However, it would be surprising to see Arsenal capture a player with such low first-team experience in the past year, especially when the Spanish giants would hold out to recoup around £28.8m of the fee they previously paid Real Sociedad.

For that sort of money, there’s no denying that other targets like Morgan Schneiderlin and Ilkay Gundogan are better options. Let Liverpool splash that cash excessively, it is their forte after all.

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