Arsenal Transfer News: Boost As £10m Target Says “I Prefer England”

Arsenal have been alerted to the news that Lyon defender Aly Cissokho has expressed his desire to move to England this winter.

The 24-year-old has been a target for the Gunners for some time and it’s believed they made an enquiry in the summer over his availability.  Lyon were reluctant to sell at that time leading to Arsenal turning their attentions to Brazilian Andre Santos, who was snapped up from Fenerbache for around £6m.

However, Arsenal have seen their full back options decimated in recent weeks with Santos, Gibbs and Vermaelen all ruled out through injury leaving Arsene Wenger with no option but to look for cover in January, and the Frenchman has already confirmed his preference is to secure a loan move:

‘We lost Vermaelen for two or three weeks, so I have to look if I can find somebody, but only a loan. It would be stupid for us to drop points because we don’t have a left-back,’ said Wenger.

The Gunners have been considering Man City’s Wayne Bridge and AC Milan’s Taye Taiwo but Wenger may be tempted to move for Cissokho after the left back confirmed he’s planning talks with Lyon officials to negotiate a move away from the club, with England his preferred destination:

‘This week, I will speak with the Lyon staff. I reckon I prefer England, but for now, there is nothing done,’ said Cissokho.

It’s believed that Lyon are prepared to sell the French international, but may suggest an initial loan deal in order to boost Cissokho’s asking price ahead of a summer auction.

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