Arsenal transfer news: Malcom on China's radar, Juventus star's agent confirms interest, and more - 6 February 2018
Gunners have a fight on their hands for Malcom
The Brazilian was linked to Arsenal in the January transfer window but eventually, the deal did not go through. Meanwhile, the player continues to attract interest from another North London side, Tottenham. Further, the Gunners are set to have extra competition during the summer with Chinese Super Ligue clubs interested in him, as per Telefoot. Malcom opined:
“I wanted to leave, I’m telling the truth, because it’s my dream: to progress in my career… I spoke with the president (Stéphane Martin) and I told him that he could count on me until the end, I will give everything to help Bordeaux to finish in the top 6 in the championship.”
Thus, the attacker has all but clarified his intentions of leaving Bordeaux at the end of the season. This could spark a bidding war with the Chinese clubs set to match their European counterparts. Hence, several factors could come into play for Arsenal to sign the player and they need to pull all stops to get him.
Daniele Rugani's agent confirms Arsenal interest
The Juventus defender has been quietly making a name for himself in Turin and has already clocked 15 appearances so far this season. The 23-year-old is considered to be the next top centre-back at Juventus and his agent, Davide Torchia, confirmed Gunners' interest despite the London club not lodging any bid in January.
"Daniele’s doing well, I’m happy for him. Arsenal? They didn’t launch any assaults for him. They expressed a liking for him, but we have respect for Juventus."
This comes in the light of Arsene Wenger's disappointment over missing out on signing a defender in January. The Gunners have conceded 35 goals in the league this season, the highest amongst the top eight in the Premier League. Prior to the Everton game, Wenger told:
"Our defensive numbers aren’t good enough. We needed strengthening because we have to improve our defensive numbers to make the top four."
The Gunners tried to sign West Brom's Jonny Evans but an agreement could not be reached Thus, Wenger will look to reinforce his defence significantly in the summer and Rugani could prove to be a top signing if the Frenchman can convince the Italian champions to part with their prized asset.
Debuchy blames Wenger for failed Manchester United move
The right-back left Arsenal to return to France by joining AS Saint-Etienne in this January transfer window. A combination of injuries and Hector Bellerin's form kept him out of the starting line-up, denting his career at the Emirates. Now, the 32-year-old revealed an interesting piece of information on how Wenger blocked a move to Manchester United a couple of years ago. He told RMC Sport:
“I would have liked to have left Arsenal earlier and to have played for a different club. There were moments when I was angry with the manager. There was an approach from Manchester United and he did not want me to leave.”
While Wenger could have prevented strengthening a direct rival at that time, the sales of Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United, Olivier Giroud to Chelsea, and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain to Liverpool this season suggest otherwise. Further, Debuchy did not see an increase in playing time staying put in London either.
Thus, Debuchy's transfer ends a bad period for the player at London while he looks to end his career on a high in Ligue 1.