Arsenal transfer rumours and news: Gunners target Roma's Seydou Doumbia; Kieran Gibbs considers exit
The biggest transfer stories and gossip in the north of the capital ahead of tomorrow's transfer deadline day
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal have made an enquiry about powerful Roma striker Seydou Doumbia, according to Rome-based daily newspaper Il Messaggero. The Ivory Coast international joined the Italian giants 12 months ago from CSKA Moscow but has struggled to settle into his new surroundings and has scored just twice in 14 outings this season.
After being sent back on loan to CSKA, a temporary deal which was cut short even sooner than expected despite finding the net five times in 13 appearances, the 28-year-old’s fortunes have dwindled in recent months. His raw talent, however, remains alluring for scouts across the continent and the Gunners are joined by Premier League rivals Newcastle United in considering a cut-price deal for Doumbia.
Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on Mohamed Elneny after the former Basel midfielder made his debut in the FA Cup fourth round victory against Burnley. The 23-year-old became the Frenchman’s first outfield signing in well over a year when he signed earlier in the month and Wenger was quick to hail Elneny's start to life in the capital.
“He became more adventurous as the game went on. His mobility, his work rate was exceptional," said Wenger. “He needs to adjust to the power of the game in the Premier League. This was a good welcome today. Certainly he has learned a lot today. It will take him some time to adjust to the power side of our game here, but the intentions, the mobility and the technical level are good.”
Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs is reportedly contemplating his future at the Emirates Stadium after losing his place to in-form Nacho Monreal. According to the Daily Star, the 26-year-old fears the lack of first-team football he is currently enduring could endanger his chances of being named in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the European Championship in the summer.
Wenger, the Gunners manager, is believed to have given Gibbs reassurances over his future with Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Swansea City monitoring the situation with a keen interest. The former Norwich City loanee has made just 12 Premier League appearances for the north London outfit this season and has 10 international caps to his name. Gibbs started the 2-1 FA Cup fourth round victory against Burnley yesterday afternoon.
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