Emirates Stadium side to mount massive bid for impressive young midfielder.
Having opted against taking up their first option on former midfielder Cesc Fabregas north London side Arsenal are preparing a big money move for one of the hottest prospects in Spanish football.
CaughtOffside understands that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen on highly rated Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke and is ready to sacrifice playmaker Santi Cazorla, who is known to be a target of the Vicente Calderon side, in pursuit of the 22 year old.
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Koke had a standout season last term, playing a pivotal role in Atletico Madrid’s surprise La Liga title success as well as helping Diego Simeone’s side to the final of the Champions League, and is part of Vicente del Bosque’s 2014 World Cup squad.
Only Real Madrid’s Angel di Maria provided more assists than Koke in domestic league action and it’s no surprise that a number of Europe’s ‘Elite’ are keen on landing the flair player.
Wenger is keen to bring in the young talent but isn’t keen on forking out the £48m release clause written into his contract but will offer as much as £30m plus the services of Cazorla in a deal that the French manager will hope tempts Simeone or at the very least serve to show Koke that Arsenal are very much interested in acquiring his services.
Pint sized performer Cazorla had a poor second season at the Emirates Stadium and is said to be homesick and open to a move back to La Liga.
The 29 year old scored a dozen Premier League goals in a very useful debut campaign at Arsenal but scored just four last term.
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