Arsenal in running to sign Champions League-winning midfield enforcer on loan
Arsenal have thrown their hat into the ring to land unsettled PSG midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum next month, claims a reliable source.
The former Liverpool man is “open” to a return to the Premier League after leaving Anfield in the summer. The 31-year-old’s contract expired on Merseyside and the Reds refused to hand him a new long-term deal. Instead the Holland star made the free-transfer switch to Paris and signed a three-year contract.
However, things have not gone well for Wijnaldum, who has struggled to impress Mauricio Pochettino.
Wijnaldum has made just 10 starts, competing with the likes of Marco Verratti, Danilo Pereira, Leandro Parades, Ander Herrera and Idrissa Gueye in central midfield.
It’s no surprise that Wijnaldum, who won the Premier League and Champions League at Anfield, is looking for a way out at PSG.
In October he admitted he was “not completely happy” due to his lack of playing time.
He told Dutch news outlet NOS: “I can’t say I’m completely happy, because the situation is not what I wanted.
“But that’s football and I’ll have to learn to deal with that. I’m a fighter. I have to stay positive and work hard to turn it around.
“I was really looking forward to the new step and then this happens. It is very difficult.”
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World Cup consideration for Wijnaldum
TEAMtalk understands Newcastle are keeping tabs on the player’s situation.
And now Sky Sports suggest Arsenal are also “understood to be a potential destination” for the midfielder.
However, TEAMtalk has been told sporting director Leonardo has made it clear the club are not ready to let him leave.
Sky’s sentiments are similar, but should PSG have a change of heart and let him leave on loan then Arsenal would have more than a passing interest.
Wijnaldum’s desire to move may well become greater next summer, especially if his game time remains limited.
He has remained a regular starter for the Netherlands, playing a key role as Louis van Gaal’s side recently secured qualification for next year’s World Cup. But he could find himself on the periphery for the national team without much game time. And that may well force his hand with the World Cup looming in December 2022.
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