Olympique Marseille Shut Door on Arsenal, AC Milan Target's Departure

Olympique Marseille has been quiet on the transfer front all summer as their hands have been tied by their finances. Their need to unload some players in order to buy this summer is well-known. And, when word of financial difficulties makes rounds in the world of futbol, the buzzards begin to circle.

To Marseille’s credit, they have not up and accepted any offer that has come their way. Interest in Loic Remy from clubs like Tottenham has failed to materialize into anything concrete at this point. Chelsea has made an initial inquiry into obtaining sought-after defender Cesar Azpilicueta. Marseille has stood firm in their valuation of the young defender and refused to give a cut rate price.

Chelsea is expected to up their offer or package a deal with Gael Kukuta for Azpilicueta trying to bring this saga to a completion.  Outside of Azpilicueta, another key to Marseille’s back line has found himself squarely in the crosshairs of several big name clubs looking for a bargain. Arsenal, Manchester City, and AC Milan have all been linked with Marseille’s rising defensive star Nicolas N’Kolou.

Arsene Wenger has given Arsenal fans a lot to talk about with three major signings this summer. This has been a deviation from the normal transfer dealings for Wenger, but if reports are to be believed, Arsene may have one of his infamous bargain buys still on his radar in the form of N’Kolou.

N’Kolou would fit an Arsenal need in providing quality depth for a defense that saw many injuries last season. Addressing the defensive side of things is believed to be Arsenal’s priority after their three attack-minded captures. N’Kolou would be welcomed by Gunner fans as another piece of a productive summer.

AC Milan would love to find a replacement for the departed Thiago Silva, and N’Kolou would fit that role nicely. While not at the level of Silva, N’Kolou is a solid center back with tremendous potential to grow into a star.

Marseille’s president Vincent Labrune has looked to put an end to the speculation surrounding N’Kolou by telling La Provence:

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“N’Kolou is not for sale”

And “Our position is set and final”

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This may be the most positive news Marseille fans have had for a while. With all the rumors surrounding player departures, the summer has been gloomy for L’OM. N’Kolou is a key component in turning around the misfortunes Marseille had last season. Having the proverbial rock in the center of defense is imperative to being competitive.

Marseille’s foreseeable future rests on Labrune and other key staff members sorting through the current squad of players and making decisions about which players to keep. Losing a player like Azpilicueta does weaken the squad, but that move can be overcome. Losing two of the most talented young defenders in Europe from your back line in the same summer without adequate replacements is club suicide.

By keeping their heads, Marseille management can keep the buzzards at bay, and hopefully rise back up the chain in Ligue 1 and, ultimately, Europe.