In today’s news roundup, we have news out of Germany, where Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has been given an ultimatum in his contract talks that may see the player leave the Bundesliga. The German has been a target for several major clubs in the past, and Arsenal would also be interested in securing the services of the player.
In other news, midfielder Jack Wilshere has stepped up his recovery and started playing full games, featuring for the Arsenal Under-21’s against Stoke City yesterday. Fellow injury doubts Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby also featured in a win for the Gunners. Also, further news regarding the transfer of Gonzalo Higuain and some comments from Mathieu Debuchy in today’s roundup.
Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels looks closer than ever to making the switch to the Premier League, according to the Express, who are linking Arsenal to his signature once again.
The 26-year old over his future, only fueling speculation that he could be on his way out of Dortmund come the end of the season. The Bundesliga side however are unwilling to sit back and wait while he makes up his mind and are looking to either tie him down to a long term deal or cash in on him now.
Hummels is set to be offered a bumper new contract to keep him at the club, and Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke claims he hopes to keep him beyond this season. However, most German publications claim that if the defender refuses to sign then he will be put up for sale over the summer.
It would be great to see someone with the abilities of Hummels move to the Emirates, but if the player is actually put up for sale, he will surely trigger an intense bidding war and it will cost us quite a lot to secure the signing. Lets hope that Wenger has something saved up!
Jack Wilshere put in a solid ninety minutes for Arsenal’s U21 side against Stoke City alongside fellow first teamers Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta as he steps up his recovery from an ankle injury sustained in November. It was the trio’s first appearances for the club in 2015. Arsenal ran out comfortable 4-1 winners despite falling a goal behind early on in proceedings.
It was not necessarily a masterclass from the Arsenal No.10, but an encouraging display on his journey back to match fitness nevertheless. Stoke offered him a lot of respect at times, but Wilshere offered Arsenal composure in the middle and was always looked to break down the visitors defence. The player spoke to arsenal.com after the match:
You can train as much as you like but you can’t get that match fitness unless you play.
In the Premier League you know how quick it is so you have to get back to that speed.
I feel like I’m ready to play some part. When you’re injured you look at your comeback date and the games around that time.
The one that stands out is the FA Cup semi-final but even before that we’ve got big games and we’ve got to got to Man United as well so there’s a chance to play this season.
Elsewhere, Diaby managed a solid 72 minutes before being replaced (un-injured), with Areta lasting to just before the hour.
Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Gonzalo Higuain back in 2013, but were pipped at the post when he joined Serie A side Napoli. The Argentine international looks to be on his way out of the Italian giants however, and , according to the Express.
His goalscoring form was fantastic when he first moved, suggesting that we had indeed missed a trick by not pulling out all the stops in our attempts to sign him. With the Serie A side struggling this season though, we may get a second bite of the cherry.
The Express have also linked Liverpool with the South American ace, but with the Reds looking unlikely to make the Champions League, it’s hard to see him choosing the Merseyside outfit over us – if indeed he is on the market this summer.
Olivier Giroud’s fine form means our need for a top-class forward have significantly diminished, but we could certainly use more depth in the striking role. The Frenchman has overcome all competition for his position in the past, so hopefully the arrival of a player like Higuain would continue to get the best out of the HFB.
Mathieu Debuchy was signed from Newcastle United this past summer, and – despite spending most of the season injured – looks to be an excellent addition. from the Emirates however, and is quoted by the Daily Star as saying he wants to finish his career with Ligue 1 side Lille.
It might seem strange that Debuchy has been at the Emirates for less than a season, but is already plotting an exit, but the 29 year-old is fully aware that he still has a lengthy contract with Arsenal. As a result, this move isn’t something he’s planning anytime soon:
I still have three and a half years contract at Arsenal, but to finish my career at Lille, that’s my goal.
I have already said, I would just finish there.
But we do not know what can happen, that will be for the head of LOSC to decide, which coach, we do not know.
But it is an important club for me and I would love to finish my career there.
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