Arsenal on alert as star ‘wants Prem move’; one factor could scupper deal
There’s mixed feelings for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal after one journalist provided an update on their pursuit of a Bundesliga star.
The Gunners are enjoying a good run of form at the moment. They have gone undefeated since their 5-0 thrashing by Manchester City in late August.
Impressive victories over the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa have seen them move up the Premier League table. They now sit in tenth on 14 points.
Arsenal’s most recent outing was a Carabao Cup win over Leeds United on Tuesday. Calum Chambers and Eddie Nketiah scored in the second half as Arteta’s men reached the quarter-finals.
The north London side continue to be linked with a host of players ahead of January. Borussia Monchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria is one man they are thought to be targeting.
The defensive midfielder has become a vital part of Gladbach’s first team over the past few years. He made 25 league appearances as they finished eighth in the Bundesliga last term.
SportBILD reporter Christian Falk now provides an update on Arsenal’s transfer hunt.
He claims that the Gunners are ‘hot’ for Zakaria and have put him on their wish list. The 24-year-old’s transfer preference boosts their hopes of securing a deal.
Falk says he has set his sights on the Premier League, rather than Bayern Munich or Serie A.
However, it is not all good news for Arsenal fans. The journalist goes on to state that they might not have the funds to land Zakaria.
Gladbach’s valuation is not revealed, although it is thought to be a substantial fee. His importance to the club means he will not be allowed to move on for a nominal sum.
Jose Mourinho wants the Switzerland international at Roma. He is keen to improve his options just in from of the back four.
Arsenal star Granit Xhaka was a priority target this summer. A deal was close but the divisive player went on to pen a contract extension at the Emirates.
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Meanwhile, Arteta has praised Nketiah following the striker’s impressive performance against Leeds.
West Ham and Crystal Palace targeted the 22-year-old earlier this year. He ultimately stayed at Arsenal with the view of fighting for his place.
During an interview with Metro, Arteta revealed that he wants Nketiah to stay. “We had a situation in the summer that we tried to resolve and we couldn’t either way,” the Spaniard said.
“It’s more and more common in football with where we are coming from with COVID and a lot of the issues that we have to resolve.
“I have full belief that he’s going to be a top, top player and hopefully at Arsenal.
“I’m so happy to have him in the team. He’s our player and I consider him and regard him really highly. From my side I want him to stay.”
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