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Arsenal Transfer News Today: Kvaratskhelia verdict as January offer prepared
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FootballTransfers runs through the latest Arsenal transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Brahim Diaz.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia message
Ex-Arsenal star Gilles Grimandi believes his former club will be unsuccessful in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia next year.
“This guy is special. He's special because he's always good in the big games and last season, every time when the competition was getting close to the end, he was getting better and better,” Grimandi told GOAL when asked if Kvaratskhelia would be an ideal signing for Arsenal.
“He has fantastic commitment, he's running, he's defending and when he gets the ball in the final third, he's very efficient. For me, he's a special guy.
“He looks like he's choosing his games because so far this season he hasn't played too many, but he just knows that he wants to be prepared for the spring time and that's his target. He knows that big games will come.
“He can play for any team in Europe, of course he can play for Arsenal. For me, he's one of the best players in his position.”
Grimandi added: “I don't think they will do it. Now it's complicated when the guy plays in Paris because they have a huge salary and they do not need any money so it's quite complicated to pick up one of the best players and bring him to another team except if there is a problem.
“Barcola was not supposed to be in the starting line-up this season so they let the door open if he wants to leave. But Kvaratskhelia, they don't let him go because they know that in the spring time he will be one of the more important players.”
Brahim Diaz offer
Arsenal are preparing a €60m January offer for Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.
The 27-year-old has been an unused substitute in six of Real Madrid’s 11 matches so far this season, and it’s claimed that Mikel Arteta has requested the signing of the Morocco star during the winter window.
In addition, Jose Mourinho is reportedly open to selling Diaz in January, with a deal potentially on the cards as a result.
Eberechi Eze to leave?
Eberechi Eze faces an uncertain long-term future at Arsenal amid their pursuit of a new superstar left winger.
The England international joined Mikel Arteta’s side from Crystal Palace for €69.3 million last summer, but he has been unable to nail down a consistent place in the Gunners’ starting XI since his arrival in north London.
TEAMtalk claim there is “growing frustration” around Eze’s place in Arteta’s squad, and that he is seen as a “stopgap” option on the left flank amid Christos Tzolis’ muscle injury. In addition, with Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino all at Arteta’s disposal, there is no obvious route to minutes in midfield.
The England star doesn’t have a clear path into the Arsenal starting XI unless injuries occur and with the club set to prioritise the signing of a new left winger next year, amid interest in Kenan Yildiz and Kevin Schade, it’s understood that Eze faces an uncertain future in north London.
Riccardo Calafiori price tag
Arsenal will demand a fee of more than €100m for Riccardo Calafiori amid interest from Real Madrid.
That is according to CaughtOffside, who claim that Los Blancos remain eager to sign the Italy international following their pursuit of his signature over the summer.
However, Arsenal have zero interest in sanctioning a sale and it’s reported that Real Madrid will be required to make Calafiori the most expensive defender in football history in order to sign him.
Kai Havertz verdict
Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Tah has heaped praise on Germany team-mate Kai Havertz ahead of his side’s clash against Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Havertz has divided opinion throughout his time at Arsenal and rumours suggest the club are still eager to sign Julian Alvarez to replace the 27-year-old as their preferred striker. However, Tah believes his compatriot remains hugely underrated.
“It’s more interesting if a team have a player you know and want to support,” he told reporters.
“Kai is my good friend since ten years. Great character, amazing player, a player that is still underestimated to be fair. I don’t think he gets the appreciation he deserves. We already talked about the game. I’m really looking forward to it.”
’Arsenal need a new striker’
Despite Tah’s comments, ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson still believes his former club need to sign a new striker.
““I like Kai Havertz,” Merson wrote in his latest Sky Sports column. “He's a good footballer.
“But when the Bayern Munich centre-halves go to bed, is he giving them a sleepless night? Are they awake worrying that they're playing against Havertz?
“X factor is what wins a Champions League and I don't see that at Arsenal. I don't see Havertz or Viktor Gyokeres as the difference-maker. It's fine when you're playing against lesser teams, but it's different when you're playing against Europe's big boys.”
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