Arsenal are considering a move in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Josuha Guilavogui, according to the Spanish newspaper AS.
The 23-year-old came up through the ranks of Saint-Etienne’s youth system and had an impressive spell with the Ligue 1 outfit. Last summer, the defensive midfielder completed his switch to the Spanish capital on a five-year deal.
Guilavogui has failed to impress for the La Liga winners in his debut season as he saw his first teamappearances restricted in the first half of the previous campaign. In January, Diego Simeone allowed his player join Saint-Etienne on loan for the second half of the season.
The French international is now believed to be surplus to requirements at Vicente Calderon and Atletico are willing to part ways with their player. Wolfsburg have made a £11.5m bid for the player and were the firm favourites for Guilavogui’s signature.
However, Arsenal have now made a late entry in pipping the Bundesliga outfit in signing the midfielder.
Arsene Wenger is looking to bring in a defensive midfielder in the ongoing transfer window. The Gunners have been left frustrated in their ongoing pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedria.
The situation has seen Wenger shift his focus on Guilavogui as he looks to bolster his squad in order to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
Atletico are willing to sell the French midfielder to the English club if they get their star player SantiCazorla as a part of the swap deal. The La Liga giants are keen on signing the Spain international this summer and are ready to include Guilavogui as a part of the player-plus-cash deal.
Cazorla has pledged his future to Arsenal after confirming that he will be at the Emirates next season. However, Wenger could allow the attacking midfielder leave the club in order to land Guilavogui this summer.
Source: IBT