Saturday, April 20, 2024

Mannone and THREE others close to exit

According to several reports around the world, Arsenal are in negotiations with several clubs to sell four players, and the moves could be completed within weeks. Johan Djourou is the closest to a move with a medical scheduled ahead of a season long loan to Hamburg. Arsenal have also accepted bids for Niklas Bendtner, and it is up to the player to choose his destination. Vito Mannone is the latest name, with Sky Sports News and Arseblog reporting Sunderland have agreed to sign the Italian to replace Simon Mignolet. Reports in France are growing by the day that Marseille will pursue a move for Gervinho, despite signing Dimitri Payet.

25 year-old Vito Mannone impressed at times for the Arsenal first-team, but never enough to secure the number 1 spot for a prolonged period. The 6ft 2″ stopper made 15 first team appearances for the club during his 8 years in London. The Italian spent much of those eight years on loan- at Barnsley in 2010 and Hull City for the following two seasons. Fresh Arsenal wish him all the best at Sunderland where we are sure he will succeed.

Gervinho is the least likely to leave out of the four, with Arsene Wenger not actively looking to sell the Ivorian. With Marseille’s interest and the potential to re-coup the £8million paid for the erratic winger, Arsene’s hand may be forced. Gervinho’s reported £65,000 per-week wages will also

Last month we saw several youth players depart, along with the releases of first team squad members Sebastian Squillaci, Andrei Arshavin and Denilson. There will be many more departures from the Emirates this summer with the likes of Maraoune Chamakh, Francis Coquelin, Andre Santos and Lukas Fabianski heading for the exit.  The club hope to raise in excess of £25million from sales.

Photo via wonker 

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