Arsenal
Arsenal To Renew Interest In Former Chelsea Attacker
Arsenal are being tipped to make another attempt to sign a former Chelsea attacker at the end of the season after failing to land him during the January window.
As we approach the business end of the season clubs are starting to make plans for the summer transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Arsenal are linked with a move for Salomon Kalou.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to renew his interest in former Chelsea attacker Salomon Kalou this summer after failing to land him in January, according to the Evening Standard.
Kalou enjoyed a hugely successful stint at Stamford Bridge, where he won the Champions League, Premier League and four FA Cups during his six years at the club before joining Lille on a free transfer in 2012.
The 28-year-old has been a surprise hit in Ligue 1, where he’s scored 24 goals in 55 appearances, and his impressive form led to interest from the Premier League back in January.
Kalou revealed that Arsene Wenger tried to lure him to north London on loan during the winter transfer window, but he turned down the move as he wanted to help guide Lille into the Champions League. He said last month:
“A possible departure? Yes, to Arsenal. It could have been done as a last minute loan. But I want to finish third, prepare for the World Cup Stadium and go to the Stade de France to compete in the final of the Coupe de France.” [source: Guardian]
Lille are currently sitting third in the table and on course to qualifying for Europe’s elite competition next year, but the Evening Standard claims he’s now keen on returning to England this summer and Arsenal are being tipped to make another attempt to take him to the Emirates.
The player admitted that he’d be open to trying his luck in the Premier League again, saying:
“There has been a lot of talking about me going back to England. I had an amazing time with Chelsea and I always keep that good memory with me.
“If I have the chance to go back, I would love to, because it’s the most exciting league in the world so I would like to try it again. I have to focus on doing well here and then the World Cup is coming, so I have to focus on that, too.
“Whatever team comes for me after the World Cup, I can decide where I can develop as a player, where I can have an impact, because it’s important to go to a team who suit me and who give me the opportunity to excel.” Kalou is quoted as saying by the Standard.
Wenger is expected to be in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer and the versatile Kalou could be a tempting option with the newspaper suggesting he is on the Frenchman’s list of targets and could be available for as little as £2.5m.
Kalou was hit and miss during his time with Chelsea and I’m not sure how Arsenal fans would feel if they did end up signing him as the Ivorian would hardly be the big-money addition many fans are hoping for this summer.
However, with Nicklas Bendtner certain to leave when his contract expires and the Gunners already thin on options up front, there is every chance Wenger may bring in two front-men this summer so there could be room for Kalou as well as a ‘marquee’ signing.
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