It’s a new week, and a new month, which brings us that one-step closer to January transfer shenanigans. Jonathan Kaney returns with the latest Arsenal gossip, bringing the news and his opinion on the latest stories.
Arsenal fight Spurs for Manolas (Metro)
The Metro are reporting that Arsenal and Spurs are monitoring the situation of Roma defender Kostas Manolas after a series of impressive performances for the Serie A title contenders. Roma are considering offering the Greek defender a new deal to deter a bid from the North London clubs, however a decent offer could be enough to tempt them to the sell him.
With our defence well stocked at the moment, I can’t see us making this a priority, but as the Metro piece states, with increasing injuries to Mertesacker and Koscileny, bringing in another established centre back as a cover for them may be a wise move with Calum Chambers having a shaky season.
Barcelona target Theo Walcott (Mirror)
The Mirror are reporting that Barcelona may make a move for Theo Walcott in the January transfer window. The Catalans’ transfer embargo will end at the start of 2016, and with them struggling to score goals without their first choice trio of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez on the pitch together, they are thought to be considering trying to lure Theo Walcott to the Nou Camp.
He wouldn’t be the first Gunner to make the move to Barcelona, but I can’t see this one happening. Very few have moved there to better things and when the first choice strikers are fit, he wouldn’t get a look in. He’s only just battled his way to the Gunners first team as a centre forward and as a loyal servant to the club, wouldn’t be chasing an exit unless he was dropped entirely. Nothing in this one.
Szczesny eyes Arsenal return (TalkSport)
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny says he is hopeful of returning to the Emirates after his loan deal with Roma ends. He will finish the season in Rome with the Serie A contenders, but he’s clearly still passionate about his parent club telling Sky Italia: “I saw Arsenal as my whole life and I do not hide that is still my dream…For me it is a family, I owe so much to those people that if I were to be given a chance I would play for them again.”
Szcesny’s loss hasn’t been felt at all at the Emirates since David Ospina came in and lifted the defence and especially since Cech came in he has no chance of getting back in the first team in the short term. His last few months for the Gunners was controversial and there’s no guarantee Arsene would even take him back after his attitude problems of the past. He’s no doubt a good keeper, but if he wants games he will have to forge a career for himself at a smaller club, as his Arsenal are numbered.