Arsenal Back In For Ivory Coast Forward But Liverpool Remain Keen

The summer transfer window is open and Football Talk will bring you all the latest transfer news doing the rounds in the papers. Today, Arsenal will fight Liverpool for the signing of Saloman Kalou.

Arsenal are set to reignite their interest in former Chelsea forward Saloman Kalou but could still face competition from Liverpool, according to the Mirror.

Kalou is a free agent now his Chelsea contract has expired, after the forward was unable to agree terms over an extension at Stamford Bridge.

The Mirror claim Arsenal held talks in January over signing the Ivory Coast international but manager Arsene Wenger remains keen and is set to make a fresh approach this summer.

The report suggests that Kalou would be open to a move to the Emirates if it means more regular first team football, but his wage demands of around £70,00-a-week could prove to be a problem.

Wenger will have to sell some of his high earners before any deal can be sealed for Kalou, with the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela, Denilson, Sebastien Squillaci, Manuel Almunia, and Andrey Arshavin all likely to go this summer as long as the Gunners can find buyers.

However, Arsenal could still face competition from Liverpool for the signature of Kalou, with the Merseysiders also interested in the 26-year-old this summer.

Brendan Rodgers is keen to add more creativity to his Liverpool squad and a free transfer move for an experienced player with Premier League experience appeals to the former Swansea boss.

FT Verdict

Wenger is a long-term admirer of Kalou’s but i just can’t see a place for him in the Frenchman’s squad. The Ivorian wants first team football but with Van Persie, Podolski, Gervinho, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky and Chamakh all vying for places, as well as the possible signing of Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud, i just can’t see how Kalou will command more playing time at the Emirates than he was at Stamford Bridge.

Read more Arsenal transfer news | Liverpool transfer news

Liverpool may be a better option for him, as they need a replacement for the versatile Dirk Kuyt. So if i had to bet, I’d say Kalou would be more suited to a move to Anfield.

Would you like to see Kalou at your club? Get involved in the comments section.