Arsenal Transfer News: Moussa Sissoko Linked, Rob Holding Medical, Fresh Rumours
Arsenal are reportedly on "red alert" afterย Moussa Sissoko revealed he is hoping to leave Newcastle United for a Premier League club.ย
Per the Sun's Alec Shilton, he said: "My priority is to stay in England even if Iโm not against going to search for a new challenge elsewhere.ย I particularly want to play with big players and in top-level matches."
Shilton reported the Gunners as being "among the front-runners" to sign him, so his comments will no doubt have piqued their interest.
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The Frenchman suffered relegation with Newcastle last season and was widely criticised for a perceived lack of effort. He netted just one goal as the Magpies went down and only four in the previous season when they stayed up by the skin of their teeth.
Football365's Daniel Storey suggested he might be the most disappointing player in the division, lamenting the 26-year-old forย his "wanton lack of contribution" at Newcastle.
Indeed, it's clear his performances for the Toon over the last two years have fallen well below the standard he's capable of.
Though it appeared he was incredibly fortunate to even be considered for Didier Deschamps' France squad this summer, he was among their best performers, particularly in the final.
OptaJohan and WhoScored.com illustrated the kind of outing he's capable of as he stood out against Portugal:
Former footballer Jan Aage Fjortoft noted the contrast in his form for Les Bleus and his showings for Newcastle, while TalkSport's Warren Haughton suggested he had extra motivation as he pursues a move away this summer:
His club form has certainly not warranted the attention of England's elite sides, but his outings for France have put him in the shop window.
The difficulty his suitors will have is which Sissoko they end up getting, which could make him a hefty gamble for an Arsenal side in need of fight and character.
Meanwhile, Shilton added that Bolton Wanderers defender Rob Holding travelled to the capital on Monday night to have a medical and agree personal terms with the Gunners after his club accepted a ยฃ2.5 million offer.
The versatile 20-year-old can play as a central defender or right-back and was chosen as Bolton's player of the year last season.
While he may not be the marquee name Arsenal fans crave, the technically adept and defensively solid youngster could be a shrewd low-key acquisition.
In other news, AC Milan are reportedly hoping Arsenal will make aย โฌ30 millionย bid for Carlos Bacca, whom they are trying to move on, according to Football Italia.
The Colombian "does not fit into new coach Vincenzo Montellaโs plans," and the club had agreed aย โฌ30 million fee with West Ham United only for Bacca to reject the Hammers in search of UEFA Champions League football, something Arsenal can provide.
As such, the Rossoneri are hoping the Gunners might agree to the same terms.
The 29-year-old bagged 20 goals last season and is a deadly finisher in the box, as OptaJoe demonstrated:
Arsenal are in need of someone who can finish chances more reliably than Olivier Giroud, a role Bacca can fulfil.
However, as football writer Oli Price-Bates noted, the Gunners should examine their other options first:
Indeed, Bacca turns 30 in September, and while he's a potent striker, there are better players out there.
However, if the Gunners are unable to land a marquee centre-forward, they'd likely be far better off bringing in Bacca than entering the new season with ostensibly the same options as last year.
