Arsenal to complete cut-price deal for Chelsea attacker
Arsenal are poised to go back to Chelsea for another playmaker this month as they prepare to close in on a deal for Salomon Kalou.
The winger has reportedly flown home from African Cup of Nations pre-tournament training to hash out negotiations with the North London outfit before he completes his predicted move.
Kalou is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer, and rather than lose the attacker on a free transfer, the Blues seem just about ready to cash in on the Ivory Coast international.
If early reports prove correct, the deal will cost Arsenal around £3m; a third of the price the 26 year-old move to Chelsea for back in 2006.
Kalou is a product of the Feyenoord youth academy and has made over 200 appearances for Chelsea during his five year stay, but doesn’t seem to be a feature in the long-term plans of manager Andre Villas-Boas.
The move has hit a snag however, as Kalou seems to be seeking wages of £90,000-a-week which is something Arsene Wenger may not be prepared to pay.
That being said, the Frenchman may see the meagre price-tag of Kalou as a chance too good to pass up and give in to demands.
Even if the deal should go through, the attacking wideman may not be in action for the Gunners until February 12, which is when the African tournament is set to run until.
