Coral’s Rumour Reel: Arsenal eye midfield reinforcements
Published:
Lee Gormley | December 7, 2015
Rabiot Premier League bound?
Adrien Rabiot is regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe, but it seems his lack of playing time with French champions PSG has forced him to play his hand at this early career stage.
Having been limited to just 11 Ligue 1 outings so far this campaign, the 20-year-old is seeking a loan switch away from the French capital club, putting Arsenal, who are 12/5 with Coral for a top-flight title triumph, on red alert.
“I’ve asked the president for a loan move in January if my time on the field is insufficient,” stated Rabiot.
“It’s something that he can’t refuse me – I know he likes me very much. When you train all week, you want to be on the field. Sometimes it’s not possible and it’s frustrating.”
Arsene Wenger has reportedly been an admirer of his compatriot for quite some time now and, with serious injuries occurring to key midfielders Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin recently, Rabiot could be snapped up for the rest of his this term in January.
Although, the north Londoners will have to battle it out with close rivals Tottenham for his services, as Mauricio Pochettino also looks for central reinforcements during the winter window.
Wanyama on Gunners radar
If a move for Rabiot doesn’t materialise, or if Wenger wants another midfield acquisition, he could look to Southampton enforcer Victor Wanyama, who was earlier tipped for such a transfer by a Gunners legend.
Arsenal are in the midst of another injury crisis, with Cazorla and Coquelin joining Jack Wilshere on the sidelines, but former attacker Robert Pires believes that Wanyama has the ability to succeed at the Emirates.
“I know Wanyama. He is a very good ambassador of Kenyan football and has done well in Southampton but I hope he signs for Arsenal in the future. He has the speed, skill and physique,” declared the Frenchman.
“However, I think he needs to score more goals because then he will be world-class material.”
Ronald Koeman will hope to retain the services of his crucial midfield man in January, but a substantial offer from their Premier League rivals could see another star depart St Mary’s next year.
Moura signings for Van Gaal?
As well as the aforementioned Rabiot falling down the pecking order in Paris, his teammate and Brazilian speed demon Lucas Moura is another who has suffered the same fate this current campaign.
Before the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson from Old Trafford, the Red Devils tried to lure Moura to Manchester, but were massively outbid by the fortunes of PSG.
However, after losing a starting place this term, United will try once again to land the mercurial wing wizard from the Parc des Princes as Louis van Gaal aims to bolster his attacking ranks for a hopeful title push, which they are 11/2 to succeed in doing next year.
One Mour chance
Elsewhere, under-fire Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho could see his second spell at Stamford Bridge come to a disastrous end this week, with reports claiming demanding owner Roman Abromnavich will sack his Portuguese colleague if the Blues don’t overcome Porto.
Chelsea sit top of Group G on goal-difference, but a defeat to Mourinho’s former club coupled with other results going against them would see Chelsea exit Europe’s elite club competition and possibly seal the fate of the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’.
Swansea City’s Garry Monk is another coach who is under serious threat of losing his position in Wales, as another managerial merry-go-round readies itself just before the midway point of this intriguing Premier League season.
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