Cristian Zapata and Connor Wickham desperately needed by Arsenal
The Italian football club, Udinese has told that there are talks going on which could result in the transfer of their defender Cristian Zapata to the Arsenal Football Club this summer.
Zapata’s agent has also confirmed that there is a strong possibility that could take the player to the North Londoners. Zapata has had 29 caps for Udinese in the last season of 2009-10.
The Gunners Coach Arsene Wenger earlier told that he would need two good defenders this season and as he has already acquired one, his sights are set on the other and many are claiming Zapata will be confirmed as his 2nd target.
Arsenal has been in the market for defenders since the end of the season and after much searching they have opted for their traditional choice. A young foreign player that has shows great prospect and belongs to a somewhat overlooked team.
The 23 year old player’s agent Massimo Italiani, has told that the Gunners have yet to make an official offer for the Zapata and he will be glad to look in to the deal. The Colombia international Zapata also told that he was shocked but exuberant when he got to know that Arsenal were showing interest in him.
While talking to media, the player’s agent Italiani stated, “It's nice to hear that Arsenal are interested in the player. For several years now, Zapata has been linked to prestigious clubs and that means that he is doing things well”.
Italiani also told that he had been receiving calls of interest from other clubs, that were mainly Italian, he informed, “Several Italian clubs are also interested in Zapata but, for the time being, I have not received any offers from Italy or England”.
Italiani further clarified on Zapata who came to Udinese in 2005 leaving Deportivo Cali, “He is happy at Udinese but like any other player, he wants to improve and grow. If an offer from a big club arrives, then it will be taken into consideration, but for the time being there is nothing official, just rumours”.
Zapata is not the only player that Arsenal are interested in, Connor Wickham is another. They are also trying to get their hands on the Ipswich ace Connor Wickham but they are facing fierce competition by their nemesis Tottenham Hotspur.
The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed him as the Arsenal type and thinks that Wickham would do well in the club but Hotspur have a similar ideology about him and want him with them.
Tottenham Hotspurs earlier made a bid of 5 million pounds but it was met by rejection. They now have upped their offer to 8 million pounds and are even agreeing to have the player on loan. But it does not seem likely that the 17 year old prodigy will leave the Gunners for the Lilywhites.
The shot caller of the North Londoners Arsene Wenger, has told that he greatly admires the young player because of whom England became the Champions of Europe for the category of under 17, this May.
Wickham was the star from the victory as he produced the two goals that led the young Englishmen to a victory over France and then produced the winner against Spain in the final. His form further improved and playing for Ipswich he scored 3 goals in 4 matches.
Wenger told that he really wanted to add some more fire to his offence and would be very disappointed if he lost the young gun to Tottenham who already have a magnificent attack.
Sources have revealed that Ipswich is not actually very enthusiastic about selling their prized player but they will as they are in debts to about 50 million pounds. The clubs itself has not made any signings yet but their head Roy Keane is ready to make some now.
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