Arsenal transfer news: Mkhitaryan's role in Aubameyang move, BIG Lemar update and more - 8th February 2018
The former Borussia Dortmund duo reunited at Arsenal with Mkhitaryan joining from Manchester United earlier in the January transfer window and Aubameyang making the move at the end for a club-record £56 million. Both of them had a great game against Everton as the Gabon international scored on debut while the Armenian picked up a hat-trick of assists.
In his first interview as an Arsenal player, the 28-year old marksman elaborated on the role played by Mkhitaryan in his move and said:
"It's like [being reunited with] a brother, a good friend. We played together in the past and I'm really happy to see him again."
"He called me a few times, he asked, 'Will you come or not?' I said, 'First you have to tell me if you sign or not'. He told me all was done and of course it was a big factor in coming here."
"We understand each other on and off the pitch, that's why it's easier on the pitch. [The fans] have to be happy [to see us together], we will do our best of course, like we did in the past."
The Gunners fans will definitely feel delighted if they continue to combine well and also will be grateful to Mkhitaryan for playing his part in bringing in a truly world-class striker to the Emirates.
Thomas Lemar rejects Monaco contract extension
The AS Monaco playmaker was reportedly wanted by Arsenal in the summer and the Gunners came close to signing the Frenchman, as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, for whom a transfer fee was agreed with Manchester City. However, the deal did not go through and Lemar stayed put.
The 22-year old was again of interest in January for Liverpool apart from Arsenal but at the end of the window, he remained at Monaco. Now, as per the report, Lemar is determined to move to England and has rejected a contract extension at the principality club. One of the biggest stars in AS Monaco's successful rise in Europe last season, Lemar earns just £22,000-a-week at the club and is contracted until 2020.
However, it is his desire to leave AS Monaco that led to him rejecting a huge pay-rise and this is good news for Arsenal and Liverpool. While Arsenal have strengthened with Mkhitaryan, Liverpool are yet to sign a replacement for the departed Philippe Coutinho.
Former France player, Olivier Dacourt, praised the player by saying:
“Great! For his shooting especially. Since he’s from Guadeloupe, I’ve been watching him a long time. He has a lot of potential. He is in Monaco but he will go to a very big club.”
Either of the clubs could turn out to be third-window lucky and get him in the upcoming transfer window.
Theo Walcott reveals reason behind Everton move
The attacker ended his long-term association with Arsenal in the recently concluded transfer window and joined Merseyside club, Everton. Now, the 28-year old has spoken about the reason behind the switch and told Everton's official website:
“I had that short stint with Sam with England and to see it now every day, the way the intensity of training is and how demanding it is has been great. I like to go into training every day and try to be better than the day before."
"Sam was one of the main reasons why I came to the Club. I wanted a manager like that who could get the best out of me."
While it would seem to be a subtle dig at Wenger, there is no doubt that Walcott will receive more playing time at Goodison Park. That factor alone could help him play better while Arsenal are unlikely to miss him, especially with the attacking reinforcements procured at the Emirates in January.