Arsene Wenger is already lining up alternatives as their move for Newcastle’s playmaker loses momentum.
Arsenal are preparing an offer for Saint-Etienne’s Josuha Guilavogui, according to the Daily Mail.
The 22-year-old Frenchman would add the grit and strength to Arsenal’s midfield that the fans have been crying out for for so long.
Arsenal are lining up a move for the player as the likelihood of Yohan Cabaye signing from Newcastle looks to be decreasing by the day.
Cabaye seemed to be destined to sign for Arsenal when he was left out of Newcastle’s match against Manchester City at the last minute, with Magpies manager Alan Pardew furious that Arsenal had lodged a bid so close to kickoff.
However, reports of Cabaye going on strike appeared to be grossly exaggerated and now Arsenal have failed to significantly improve upon their previously rejected £10m bid.
Guilavogui gives Arsenal fans plenty to be excited about, though. The midfielder is an entirely different sort of player to Yohan Cabaye, and arguably one that the Gunners are in much more desperate a need of.
Guilavogui has played 93 matches at the base of Saint-Etienne’s midfield, his power, athleticism and conviction in the tackle earning him two callups to the full French national side.
He would almost certainly cost less than Cabaye, too, leaving extra funds available for other weak spots in the team – such as a striker or a much sought-after goalkeeper.
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