Arsenal are ready to make a move for PSG star Thiago Motta after missing out on Morgan Schneiderlin, reports the Metro.
The former Southampton man has joined Manchester United ahead of the Gunners, while Arsene Wenger has also missed out on Geoffrey Kondogbia, who has joined Inter Milan from AS Monaco after impressing in the principality-based side’s 3-1 win over the North Londoners [Sky Sports].
This has caused Arsenal to move their attentions on to Motta, who is significantly older than the other two at 32-years-old. However, although Tottenham are also interested, the Italy international could be available at a far cheaper price [talkSPORT].
Schneiderlin moved to Old Trafford for around £25 million [BBC], and Kondogbia joined the Nerazzurri for the same price [The Independent]. Meanwhile, as Motta is over 30 and his agent recently revealed he ‘could move to a new club’, it is likely he could be available for much less than the other pair.
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The Gunners are in need of a central midfielder to play alongside Francis Coquelin in the middle of the park. The Frenchman won his place in the side last season, but none of his teammates have really made the role next to him their own as of yet. If the side are going to challenge Chelsea for the Premier League title then they will have to sort out the position.
This move could also be a reaction to the news that transfer target target and Sporting Lisbon ace William Carvalho has been ruled out for the next three months with a foot injury [Daily Mail]. It will surely be vital that Arsenal make a quick start to the new campaign if they are to challenge for the EPL title, and signing a player, such as the Portuguese international, who will be out for several months, would potentially hamstring their start to the campaign.
There would be no such concerns with Motta.