Arsenal facing competition from Serie A for ‘Iranian Messi’
Published:Another day another Arsenal transfer rumour with today’s gossip pages suggesting that the Gunners are preparing a bid for highly-rated Iranian teenager Sardar Azmoun.
Currently on the books of Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan, the 19-year-old has already been dubbed the “new Messi” thanks to his slight frame and super-silky skills.
Signed two years ago after impressing for Iranian top-flight club Sepahan, the forward has made 14 appearances for Rubin to date, scoring four goals in the process.
That return has already been enough to catch the eye of Carlos Queiroz, the current Iran national team manager, who has called up the youngster for his 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup in Brazil.
And if quotes attributed to Azmoun are to be believed, the former Manchester United assistant manager is not the only one to be taken with the talented forward.
Speaking to Navad, the player revealed that a number of major clubs, including the Gunners, have already enquired about his availability.
“I have offers from three major clubs: Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus,” he told the programme.
“The talks with both Milan and Arsenal are getting very serious. Both clubs have spoken to Kazan.”
Despite this interest though, the 19-year-old is trying to stay focused on seeing out the Russian league season in style, though a move abroad in the near future looks likely.
Arsenal have been linked with moves for a number of players in the past few weeks, with reports yesterday indicating that the club could be willing to activate a £3.2m buy-back clause in former player Carlos Vela’s Real Sociedad contract.
One man who won’t be moving to the Emirates, however, is Josip Drmic, with the Swiss forward this week announcing that he has signed for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
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