Mikel Arteta set to be frustrated as club chief provides timeframe for Arsenal transfer
Mikel Arteta will be left disappointed after the transfer of a teenage talent to Arsenal was put on hold for another year.
The Gunners have a number of young stars at their disposal, including academy graduates Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. Arteta can also rely on 21-year-old left-back Nuno Tavares following his £7m capture from Benfica.
Reports claim they are looking into the signing of Ianis Stoica from Romanian side Steaua Bucharest. He is a tricky right winger who has the potential to secure a big-money move in the near future.
During an interview in November, Steaua Bucharest chief Gigi Becali said Stoica would remain in his homeland until the age of 22-23 – up to four years from now.
But Becali has now put a new timeframe on the starlet’s future. He said (via Sport Witness): “Things are clear with Ianis Stoica. That I asked €10m for Ianis Stoica even though I was offered €7m is another matter. I know why I asked for that money, and I know why I said that publicly.
“But for me, things are very clear. You won’t see 18 or 19-year-old players leave me. I’m not going to let go of young footballers from Steaua Bucharest after two or three showers taken in my team’s locker room.
“I have my strategy and we will make the transfers one by one. Whoever did his job for Becali, and I am satisfied with him, it will be his turn to leave. Ianis Stoica is just beginning. So is Tavi Popescu. They will leave me at the age of 23-24.”
Becali’s comments mean Arsenal will have to hunt other winger targets, which could include Real Madrid man Lucas Vazquez.
Arsenal defender ‘stuck’ in north London
Meanwhile, Sport Witness, citing reports in the Brazilian press, state that Pablo Mari is stuck at Arsenal.
The centre-back has been out of the side since September’s Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon. He is struggling to usurp Gabriel or Ben White in Arteta’s plans.
Mari has had recent transfer links with Brazilian side Flamengo. But talks are yet to materialise, putting a potential move into doubt.
No proposal has been made to Arsenal or even Mari’s representatives. It looks like the Spaniard will be staying with the Gunners, until the summer at least.
Mari’s contract runs until June 2024. That means Arsenal do not risk losing him on a free transfer in the near future.
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