Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Dynamo Moskow striker, Aleksandr Kokorin – according to reports from Russia.
The reports originate from Russian outlet Gazeta, Arsenal are close to securing the signing of Kokorin. The reports don’t mention a fee, but Kokorin has a £13.8million release clause.
The 24 year old forward has scored two goals in three games this season and has managed 8 goals in his 32 caps for Russia. Whilst this is not exactly prolific, Kokorin is highly thought of in his home country.
His agent spoke of interest from other Premier League clubs last month: “Right now I’m working on the transfer of Kokorin. Manchester United and Tottenham are interested in his services. There are many reasons to think that he will end up in one of those clubs before August 31.”
Those quotes, and the latest reported interest from Arsenal make me suspicious. It seems the Russian strikers agent may be doing his best to drum up some interest in his client.
Arsenal’s inability to score a goal at home so far this season has left many fans frustrated at the lack of signings. To this date, Petr Cech is the only first team addition and that really isn’t enough if the Gunners want to go and win the title.
The news that Kokorin may be joining won’t excite fans much, he is clearly not world class and would be a bit of a gamble, but I suppose at this stage of the window, some may view it as ‘better than nothing’ – I’m not so sure. Personally I would like to see Danny Welbeck back fit, I think he still has the potential to do very well for us.