Arsenal are reportedly ready to renew their interest in former Chelsea attacker Salomon Kalou this summer after failing to land him in January, according to reports in the Evening Standard.
The 28 year old has been a surprise hit in Ligue 1, where he’s scored 24 goals in 55 appearances and his impressive form led to interest from the Premier League back in January.
The Ivory Coast international was heavily linked with the Gunners in January, but he turned down the move as he wanted to help guide Lille into the Champions League. He said last month:
A possible departure? Yes, to Arsenal. It could have been done as a last minute loan.
But I want to finish third, prepare for the World Cup and go to the Stade de France to compete in the final of the Coupe de France.
However the Gunners are reportedly preparing a second bid for the striker this summer. His recent comments reveal that he has set his sights on the Premier League after this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. He said:
There has been a lot of talking about me going back to England. I had an amazing time with Chelsea and I always keep that good memory with me.
If I have the chance to go back, I would love to, because it’s the most exciting league in the world so I would like to try it again. I have to focus on doing well here and then the World Cup is coming, so I have to focus on that, too.
Whatever team comes for me after the World Cup, I can decide where I can develop as a player, where I can have an impact, because it’s important to go to a team who suit me and who give me the opportunity to excel.
Kalou has enjoyed a successful spell at Stamford Bridge, winning the Champions League in his final season with the club and with reports growing that he’s set for a return to England’s elite division, it looks like he may end up at Arsenal this summer.
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The Gunners are in the market for another forward to add to their fire power up front, as doubts continue to linger over the form and fitness of first choice striker Olivier Giroud. He could be available for a paltry sum of just £2.5 million, which would suit the penny pinching approach of Wenger.
The Ivorian was reportedly Arsenal’s top target at the end of the January transfer window, however we shouldn’t go after him in the summer as it is evident from this season that we need a big name striker to compete against the big teams and it would be foolish to go after another mediocre striker.
Do we need him? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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