English Premier League Transfer Gossip, 4 October 2010
Reports confirm that Arsenal are interested in acquiring the services of Angelo Ogbonna in the January transfer windows. According to an inside source, Arsene Wenger has made his mind about the 22 year old Nigerian. The intended
move could not come at a better time as Ogbonna’s contract expires at the end of this season and the youngster will probably be looking to move elsewhere. An estimated price of €7.5 million has been suggested.
However, Wenger will be faced with competition in pursuit of the youngster; Everton, Fiorentina and Napoli seem to be interested in buying the promising player. Even with all the interest from all the big clubs, the young defender
said he was concentrating on doing well with his current club, Torino. He said, “This is certainly not the time to be influenced by the market. My goal to do well here and improve our place from last season.”
The Arsenal boss is also targeting Fulham goal keeper, Mark Schwarzer, again for a move in the January transfer window. The Australian was linked with Arsenal in the summer but Fulham boss, Mark Hughes, refused to sell him. However,
his contract will be up come end of the season and Schwarzer has made no commitment to staying at Fulham.
The Fulham number one told reporters, “A lot can happen between now and January. What will be will be. If there's an opportunity in January, then we'll explore it.” He revealed that he had wanted a transfer to Arsenal so that he
could play Champions League football, “This is the only time in my career I have ever tried to force an issue. I don't have time on my side. If you were a 30-year-old you would walk away and say 'fair enough, I understand'. But I'm almost 38 and I want to
fulfill an ambition,” he added.
Following the goal keeper crisis at Arsenal, Wenger could really use a decent keeper. First choice Manuel Almunia is out with an injury and second choice Lukasz Fabianski is filling in for him. It was surprising how the youngster
managed better than his predecessor, only letting in two goals against the mighty Blues. Wenger is fully aware that the only thing standing between Arsenal winning any silverware is a good, reliable keeper. No matter what the cost is, the Frenchman will be
looking to bring a replacement in during the short January transfer window.
On the other side of London, Arsenal rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are battling it out for Utrecht star striker Ricky Van Wolfswinkel. Reports suggest that along with the two English sides, Newcastle United, Birmingham City
and Bursaspor (Turkey) are also in contention to sign the Dutch youngster. The Dutch sensation is valued at some €6.5 million, and for good reason too. The 21 year old has scored 15 goals in 15 appearances this season. He has amazing ball control and movement,
he is especially a threat to the opposition inside the penalty box.
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