Heading into the weekend, Jonathan Kaney brings you the latest transfer gossip concerning the Gunners; where it seems attackers are the flavour of the day.
Arsenal to rival Barcelona for Lavezzi (Metro)
The Gunners are looking to add to their attacking ranks in January and with Lavezzi’s contract expiring at the end of the season, and the Argentine seemingly surplus to requirements at PSG, the Metro are reporting that Arsene Wenger could make a cut price move for the 30-year-old.
Lavezzi would be a decent back up to Sanchez on the left, but in a crowded Gunners squad, wouldn’t have much chance of becoming a first team regular. Would imagine Arsene would only pursue this if as the report says, he could get him for next to nothing. With the calibre of Griezmann and Isco being linked, this rumour will probably come to nothing. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him back in Serie A when his contract expires.
Arsenal on-alert for Cavani (Daily Express)
The Express reports that Arsenal target Edison Cavani has hinted that his days at PSG may be numbered, telling Italian paper Corriere del Mezzogiorno “For us players the future is unpredictable,” and that he would be tempted by a move back to Napoli.
With Napoli already paying Cavani’s replacement Higuain big money, the club are unlikely to be able to afford his wages or the transfer fee to bring him back. Arsenal is realistically the most likely destination for the Uruguayan if he does decide to leave Paris, particularly with the long term of pursuit of Karim Benzema all but finished.
With world class strikers in short supply, Wenger may just test the water with Cavani and make a bid for him. He would cost a pretty penny, but with the signing of Ozil and Sanchez, he has shown he will spend the money on the right player.
Arsenal remain keen on Insigne (Telegraph)
Arsenal are still keen on Napoli ace Lorenzo Insigne according to the Telegraph, however face a battle on their hands with his agent telling Italian radio:
“The big clubs saw Lorenzo as an exciting prospect at first, now they’re probably casting admiring glances at him…They’ll have to give up though, Lorenzo is a Napoli player until 2019, and not only is he happy, he wants to win in a blue shirt.”
Insigne is name who has long been linked with the Gunners. The Italian has been in sublime form for Napoli this season with 6 goals in 8 ames and with his pace, tenacity and ability to cut inside and score goals he would fit in well with the clubs philosophy and football.
Napoli may be reluctant to sell, but realistically if the Gunners were to make a move, they would have a battle on their hands to keep him.