Arsenal January transfer news: Djourou and Squillaci out as Theo Walcott edges closer to a new deal

Arsenal finally seem to have some happy news for their fans in the new year. Theo Walcott is said to be interested in the contract extension offered to him by the club management. Theo had earlier rejected a 75000 pounds per week contract extension that was meant to keep him at the Emirates till 2018. His rejection saw him drop to the bench but both sides have become more flexible recently. He has been given his favoured central striking role and has also been offered an increased pay packet that is said to be in the range of 90000 pounds a week. Meanwhile, Walcott’s representatives have also returned to the negotiation table and might even come down from their original 100000 pounds a week wage demand.

Walcott is reveling in his role as centre forward, having scored 4 goals in his last three games including a hat-trick against Newcastle. He is currently Arsenal’s highest goal scorer this season with 14 goals in all competitions. If Arsenal do manage to hold on to the England international, it would indeed be a miracle after failing to stop their star players leave the club in recent years.

Meanwhile, Wenger has also hinted that a couple of players maybe leaving the club this winter. In an effort to trim down the wage bill, the North London club has identified Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou as expendables. The two defenders haven’t seen a single minute of premier league action this season. Their roles have been reduced to playing Capital one cup matches against lower rung opponents. Since Arsenal are now in possession of three fully fit good quality centre-backs in Thomas Vermaelen, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, Squillaci and Djourou have been deemed surplus to requirements.

Though not in a mood to reveal any recent developments, Wenger announced that a deal on Djourou is likely to be completed in two or three days. German club Hannover are said to be interested in the 25 year old Swiss defender. Wenger also added that he was not aware of any rumours about an impending offer for Andrei Arshavin. The 31-year old, who arrived at London with a lot of expectations, has never really adapted to the demands of the Premier league and has hardly made an impact this season. The Russian, who is reportedly earning 90000 pounds a week, grabs a huge chunk of the Arsenal wage bill that is one of the highest in the league.

Tags: Arsenal, England, Newcastle, Russia

Category: EPL, Football