Arsenal have announced the signing of France Under-20 striker Yaya Sanogo, who joined the club on a long-term contract.
The 20-year-old, who refused to sign a new contract with Ligue 2 side Auxerre, made 24 appearances for the French side and scored 11 goals. The youngster has joined the Gunners as a free agent after ending six-years association with Auxerre and has represented his nations at under-16, under-17 and under-19 levels.
Sanogo has become the first recruit of the season for the Gunners and quite naturally, Arsene Wenger is very delighted with the signing. The Frenchman told the club’s official website:
“Sanogo is a good young signing for us. He has shown that he has potential with his recent performances for Auxerre and also for the France Under-20 side. We are looking forward to Yaya joining us and continuing his promising development.”
The young striker is currently on international duty, competing at the U20 World Cup in Turkey, where he scored two goals in the tournament so far and helped France qualify for the knock-out stages.
Arsenal could make a move for Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott, who has become frustrated with lack of regular first team opportunities and vowed to leave the club if it persists, reports The Daily Star.
“The situation is simple really. He wants to play and doesn’t want to spend next season sat on the bench,” a source told the English tabloid. “If he isn’t going to play regularly at City, then he can go to another club that will value him more.”
Lescott joined City in 2009 for a reported fee of £22 million from Everton. The 30-year-old has fallen down the pecking orders at the club, following the arrival of Matija Nastasic and has only started 17 Premier League games last season.
Lescott will hold an interactive session with new manager Manuel Pellegrini to know what future holds for him at City with only 12 months left on his contract. The centre-back would be available for £5 million, but his £90,000 per week wages could prove to be a stumbling block for the Gunners.
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