Arsenal target Olympics stars in final bid to bolster ranks
Published:It was widely believed that Santi Cazorla’s arrival at Arsenal yesterday would represent their final summer signing, but reports today suggest otherwise, with stars of London 2012 linked with the Gunners.
South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung of Scottish champions Celtic is one of the players sensationally being lined up for an Emirates move, after his performances at the Olympic Games complemented glowing scout reports regarding his SPL showings last term.
Still only 23, Ki has already won 45 caps for his country, and has been dubbed the South Korean Steven Gerrard in his homeland in recognition of his all-action playing style.
The energetic star struck the winning penalty in Korea’s shoot-out victory over Team GB on Saturday night, and would command a fee in the region of £9m, though Arsene Wenger would also face competition from QPR to land the schemer.
Ki is not the only performer to impress Wenger at this summer’s Olympic Games however, with the Gunners chief thought to also be considering a move for Senegalese defender Cheikhou Koyate.
22-year-old Koyate is rated as one of the Belgian league’s most promising defensive prospects, and has been linked with the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle in the past.
A string of impressive showings at London 2012 have now alerted Arsenal’s attention too though, and Koyate’s current club Anderlecht could be set to cash in on one of their prize assets.
Equally comfortable performing in a midfield role, Koyate has drawn comparisons with Gunners legend Patrick Vieira, and there is no doubting that an emulation of his style of play would endear the Senegalese youngster to the Emirates faithful.
While many have been surprised by the volume of signings Wenger has made so far this summer, it would appear his spending is not set to cease just yet, should he get his way.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
