As the season draws to a close, the gossip begins. We will be bringing you an Arsenal filtered gossip column throughout the summer. Today reports suggest Arsenal have opened talks for Serge Aurier, will bid for N’Koulou and take Jason Eyenga-Lokilo on trial. See all the Arsenal transfer news in our Gossip Column.
Arsenal have opened preliminary talks with Toulouse over a £7 million move for defender Serge Aurier (Goal). It seems not only will Aurier be the replacement for Sagna but also it seems very possible that he will be the Gunners first signing of the summer. With the right-back set to play at the World Cup Arsenal will have to move quick to stop other clubs from scuppering the deal after the full back was recently awarded the best right-back in Ligue 1.Although he may take time to adjust Aurier seems a good natural heir to Bacary Sagna.
Arsenal are preparing a €12million bid for Nicolas N’Koulou (Le 10 Sport). It was only a matter of time before we were linked to N’Koulou once again. I don’t see Wenger spending this much on a fourth choice centre back, and I also don’t see Arsene or N’Koulou wanting a player of that quality to play second fiddle. If Arsenal are to bolster their central defensive options then they need to invest in youth and sign a player who is willing to wait for their moment – N’Koulou is beyond that level, so unless Vermealen leaves I can’t see it.
Arsenal are interested in signing Anderlecht wonderkid Jason Eyenga-Lokilo, according to reports in Belgium (Talk Sport). Know nothing about him, let’s see what happens.
Arsenal are preparing a £80million double swoop for Julian Draxler and Karim Benzema and hope to have it done before the World Cup (Caught Offside). Ah CaughtOffside. How nice of you to bless us Arsenal fans with another ‘Exclusive’ – it’s amazing. Sometimes I wonder who runs that website, just a teenager making up rumour after rumour? Anyway, a deal for Draxler has really quietened down and Benzema would be a solid signing.
Did you see?
Arsenal offered Xavi, prepare bid for Sanchez and eye Premier League trio
Arsenal prepare £60m bid, enquire for Javi Martinez and contact Diego’s agent
Arsenal close to completing first signing of the summer and want Muller and van Persie
Julian Draxler has no plans to leave Schalke this summer. He told press: ‘I have absoloutely no thoughts of leaving’ (Metro). Well when I said things with Draxler had quietened down… These words hardly rule out a move, but after the season he has had, Schalke cannot demand the £40million they wanted in January – Draxler has simply not been playing to that quality. Griezmann has been on much better form and would be a cheaper option due to his release clause. This saga could well drag on all summer.
Karim Benzema on the other hand, is apparently up for sale and the Mirror think Madrid will only want £30million (Mirror). Well if that’s true we should be on the phone immediately. Benzema would up the class of our team immediately, and for £30million – it’s a no brainer. He’s not been the most consistent player over the last few seasons, but he loves scoring in the big games and that is exactly what we are missing in our attacking options – someone to win those big games. Yes please.
Should Arsenal spend £10million of their transfer budget on N’Koulou? Would you be happy if £80million is spent on Benzema and Draxler? Comment below with your thoughts.
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Photo via Alejandro Ramos