Marseille Ace ‘Likes’ Arsenal But Claims No Deal Has Been Agreed

Despite the transfer window being closed there is still plenty of gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer rumours. Today, Nicolas N’koulou has dismissed reports claiming he’ll be joining Arsenal.

Marseille defender Nicolas N’koulou has admitted he’s a fan of Arsenal but dismissed reports claiming he’s set to move to north London this summer, according to Sky Sports News.

N’koulou has become one of the most highly-rated defenders in Ligue 1 after putting in a string of impressive displays at the back for Marseille since joining them from Monaco in 2011.

It seems his form hasn’t gone unnoticed in England with Sky Sports claiming Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen on bringing the 22-year-old to north London this summer with an £8m deal being mooted.

However, while the Cameroon international admits he’s a fan of Arsenal he insists no deal is in place and claims the reports are nothing more than pure speculation. But he did leave the door open to a potential switch to the Emirates by revealing he’ll think about his future in the summer and hinted Marseille may be keen to offload him to bring in some much needed cash.

“Nothing is done with Arsenal,” he said. “It is only paper talk. I like Arsenal as a fan of good football, but it does not mean I will join them.

“I will be able to talk about my future in the summer. I know the club want to balance their books and think I am an asset for them.” N’koulou is quoted as saying by Sky Sports

N’koulou has made 35 appearances for Marseille so far this season and has become a regular in the Cameroon national team since making his senior debut in 2008, aged just 18.

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He’s no doubt a hugely talented young defender and his versatility would be an asset if he was to ever make the move to Arsenal. He’s predominantly regarded as a centre back, but he’s also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder and can  cover at left back, so would provide us with plenty of options. Could he potentially be a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen? Watch this space….

Would you like to see N’koulou join Arsenal this summer? Get involved in the comments section below.