Central defender is currently banned until February after breaking an opponent’s leg recently with a horror tackle.
Premier League leaders Arsenal have now joined the race to sign highly rated St Etienne defender Kurt Zouma when the winter transfer window opens again for business in the new year, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
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The much talked about France Under-21 international has developed a reputation of late as being one of the most promising young centre backs currently plying their trade in Ligue 1 on the back of a series of commanding displays at the heart of les Verts’ defence.
So much so that mega-rich Premier League outfits Chelsea and Manchester City are believed to be preparing offers for Zouma next month, as both clubs look to strengthen at the back going forward.
However, it is now understood that a third suitor from England, the Gunners, are also set to enter the race for the 19-year-old in January as the north London club’s head coach Arsene Wenger braces himself for the likely double departures of both right-back Bacary Sagna and central defender Thomas Vermaelen at the end of this campaign.
And with Arsenal’s chief scout in France, former midfield player Gilles Grimandi, having recently recommended Zouma to Wenger, the Frenchman is now expected to make his own move for the £12 million-rated player at the turn of the year.
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