Arsenal To Strengthen Their Defensive Line

Arsenal To Strengthen Their Defensive Line

Arsenal look determined to sign Cheikhou Kouyate during the winter transfer period. The 23 year old who will turn 23 this December, is currently Anderlecht’s player. He has been with the club since 2008 and has managed 111 appearances. He is also part of Senegal’s national team for which he has made 5 appearances.

According to Metro, the 6 ft. 4` center back is ready to make the next step in his career and leave Belgium. Anderlecht expressed their desire to sell the young defender so the right offer is all that is missing. Apparently Wenger has been keen on signing the Senegalese international for quite a while now and has already placed two bids for Kouyate but failed to meet the club’s financial expectations. If the rumors are right, and the Belgian side is ready to part their ways with the youngster, third time might really be a charm for Arsenal’s boss.


Kouyate’s club also admitted to the fact that their player expressed his desire to play for a Premier League team. With both management and footballer determined to move on, Wenger has a big chance of signing one very promising individual. The Gunners are not the only ones interested in reaching an agreement with the Senegalese international. Chelsea, WBA and Norwich look keen on bringing in Kouyate. His versatility might come in very handy for a team like Arsenal though. He can play both as a defender and as a defensive midfielder which reminds fans a bit of a young Vermaelen.

As far as finances go, Kouyate is valued at 6 million pounds which would not be a problem for Arsenal who have a lot of dough to spend. The Senegalese player will fit perfectly alongside Mertesacker or Koscielny who are now the team regulars.

Kouyate may also point to the fact that Vermaelen is ready to leave. Even if the Belgium international insisted he still has a lot to prove, he will definitely want to play more in order to make it to Brazil. A transfer could take place in January leaving Arsenal vulnerable in case one of the other two defenders gets injured so Kouyate might be the perfect replacement.