The gossip continues today and includes updates on Petr Cech, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Lukas Podolski. Like this? See more Gossip Columns here.
Arsene Wenger has held talks with Geoffrey Kondogbia (Sky Italia)
Wenger has reportedly held talks with Kondogbia over a possible move to the Emirates as he looks to bolster his midfield. Kondogbia is a powerful midfielder who normally plays in a box to box role, he has attracted heavy interest from both Milan clubs so the Gunners will need to pay a premium to sign him from Monaco. Inter Milan have bid €27million which currently is the highest bid, it has not been reported that Arsenal have made an official bid but many sources now consider the Gunners frontrunners for his signature, as they can offer him Champions League football – and we have Arsene Wenger of course.
Cech will sign for Arsenal once Chelsea sign Begovic (Daily Mail)
Chelsea are understandably looking to sign a new goalkeeper before sanctioning Cech’s move to Arsenal. Jose Mourinho appears to want a Premier League proven goalkeeper to compete with Courtois for the number one spot.
Arsenal agree €2million fee with Galatasaray for Podolski (Various)
It’s finally done he looks to be leaving. €2million is what reports in Turkey suggest the fee is that Arsenal and Galatasaray have agreed on. It’s a very low figure but it shows that the main aim of this transfer was for Wenger to get Podolski, who earns around £95,000 per-week, off the wage bill. Arsenal did not have much bargaining power in any deal for Podolski due to him having just one year left on his current deal and his poor form, high wages and age have led to suitors being limited and unwilling to pay much.
Arsenal waiting for chance to sign Benzema (El Confidencial)
Arsenal are believed to be waiting for Madrid to make their move for Sergio Aguero, so they can try and sign Karim Benzema. Wenger’s passion for Benzema is what reportedly stopped him from getting involved with Jackson Martinez. You can see why Wenger would prefer Benzema, he’s a year younger, more proven and a better all round striker. He’d probably only cost around £10million more than what Porto are demanding for Martinez. The problem here is if Madrid decide not to go for Aguero, or not to sell Benzema – then we may have missed out on the next best thing in Martinez. The Gunners would also face strong competition from Manchester United for Benzema.