Arsenal
Arsenal & Chelsea Dealt Blow In Pursuit Of Brazilian Attacker
Arsenal and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Firmino after he distanced himself from reports linking him with a move away from Hoffenheim
The summer transfer window is now open for business and it’s expected to be a busy few weeks as managers strengthen their squads ahead of next season, so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Arsenal and Chelsea look set to miss out on Firmino.
Arsenal and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Brazilian attacker Firmino after he distanced himself from reports linking him with a move away from Hoffenheim this summer, according to reports.
Firmino enjoyed a superb season in Germany last year where he scored 16 goals and assisted 11 more, despite playing in a Hoffenheim side that finished in mid-table in the Bundesliga.
His impressive displays understandably caught the eye of a number of clubs with Chelsea among those credited with interest, while reports last week claimed that Arsenal were set to table an £8m offer.
However, during a joint interview with team-mate Kevin Volland, the 22-year-old has now played down talk of a move by insisting he plans to stay with Hoffenheim after signing a new contract earlier this year that tied him to the club until 2017.
When asked about potential moves away this summer, Volland told Bild:
“This is not an issue for me. I have a contract until 2017.”
Firmino responded:
“Me too.”
“For me it was important that Kevin remains.”
“That clinched it.”
Firmino is predominantly an attacking midfielder but is also comfortable playing up front so he would have provided Arsene Wenger or Jose Mourinho with plenty of options in the final third had they been able to lure him to London this summer.
However, it looks as though despite the interest from two of Europe’s biggest clubs, the youngster intends to stay in Germany and continue his development with Hoffenheim.
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Having started his career at Figueirense, Firmino made the move to Hoffenheim in 2011 and has emerged as one of the best young forwards in Germany, and has now scored 31 goals in 107 appearances during his time in the Bundesliga.
Obviously things can change quickly in football and he may have a change of heart if the likes of Arsenal or Chelsea do come in with a big-money bid, but it will be a shame if he does decide to turn his back on a move to the Premier League.
