Groundhog Day as Arsenal outcast returns – ‘there was no alternative’
An Arsenal outcast who was expected to leave on a permanent deal this summer has returned to the club after his deal collapsed.
Arsenal are expected to be one to watch with regards to transfers this summer, both in terms of arrivals and exits. The club’s website recently confirmed the departures of several stars, including the end of Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard’s loans. Gunners fans will be sad to see that duo depart. Though Mikel Arteta is reportedly hard at work striving to bring Odegaard back on a permanent basis.
Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Conversely, the latest report from the Evening Standard has revealed an Arsenal star will soon be returning.
They note that following Schalke’s relegation from the Bundesliga, on-loan full-back Sead Kolasinac is due back at the Emirates.
The Bosnian international, 27, fell down the pecking order under Arteta. Kieran Tierney’s arrival further reduced his chances of regular first-team football.
A loan to Germany was agreed, where Kolasinac became a regular in the ultimately ill-fated campaign.
Kolasinac ‘was expected to stay at Schalke beyond the end of his loan’. However, following the club’s relegation, turning his temporary stay permanent is no longer feasible.
Both he and veteran striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have had their stays ended, as explained by the club’s Director of Sport.
Peter Knebel said (via the Evening Standard): “This decision hurts us both in sport and human terms.
“In view of the current budget and squad structure – all the known and publicly discussed challenges – there was no alternative.
“We have to be so honest. In view of the short preparation and the early start of the season, we cannot afford a week-long hang-up game either, but have to make decisions for Schalke 04 now. That’s why we decided on this clear cut.”
Chelsea ace ‘best in Europe’ – Wenger
Meanwhile, Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger explained how a Chelsea hero has become “the best all-round midfielder in Europe.”
N’Golo Kante is expected to be handed a new long-term contract following a series of virtuoso displays that helped the Blues lift the Champions League. Joe Cole led the praise, revealing he was staggered at how much better he is than a club icon from Cole’s era.
But Cole is not the only figure to wax lyrical about the 30-year-old.
Arsenal legend Wenger has had his say, and declared what change has transformed Kante into “the best all-round midfielder in Europe.”
“N’Golo Kante has added something to his game,” Wenger told beIN SPORTS (via the Metro).
“Before he won the ball and he made a good pass, he was an exceptional ball winner. I say an exceptional ball-winner because he wins decisive balls without making a foul.
“But he is now capable of running with the ball and making a good pass in the final third.
“That’s why I am certain he is the best all-round midfielder in Europe at the moment.”
READ MORE: Details of huge coup Arsenal are pursuing with transfer mastermind revealed
The post Groundhog Day as Arsenal outcast returns – ‘there was no alternative’ appeared first on TEAMtalk.