Arsene Wenger is looking for striker reinforcements for the new season as currently he only has Olivier Giroud as a recognised striker at The Emirates. The Arsenal boss thought he’d be able to get Salomon Kalou for a bargain price of £2.5 million as that is what he was available for in the January transfer window due to a clause in the Ivorian’s contract.
However Lille have told Arsenal that the strikers price tag has doubled and that they now value the forward at £5 million. Wenger will be tempted to just agree to Lille’s wishes as numerous teams are interested in the forward who bagged 16 goals and 5 assists in Ligue 1 last season.
North London rivals Tottenham hold an interest in the striker along with Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton and big spending French side Monaco. Roma are also interested and they are reportedly ready to meet Lille’s £5 million valuation of the forward.
However Kalou prefers a move back to England with Arsenal being his preferred destination, putting Arsene Wenger in the driving seat. The forward who won the Champions League when he was at Chelsea in 2012 has become a big hit in France. Prompting the Gunners to attempt to sign the striker.
Written by Ben Waterhouse – @BenWaterhouse_