Arsenal Target Arrives Three Years Deal In Principle
Arsenal target Yannick Bolasie has penned a fresh three-and-a-half year deal at Crystal Palace, according to reports. As claimed by the Mirror, Palace’s boss Alan Pardew is delighted that the winger has signed a new contract at the club and is now aiming to continue to help the player with his development.
The 26-year old powerhouse was linked with moves away to from Palace during the summer, with Arsene Wenger very keen on the African attacker. But he opted to remain with the Eagles and has now committed himself to the cause of the club until 2019, as he seeks to continue his brilliant form which helped the South London club finish in the top 10 of the English top flight last term.
The former Bristol City attacker scored four goals for Palace last season and created 45 chances for the Eagles. The 20-time capped DR Congo star started his footballing career at Rushden and Diamonds in 2005 and had played for Hillingdon Floriana, Plymouth, Barnet and Bristol City before joining the Eagles.
After the agreement by both the Eagles and Bolasie, Pardew revealed his delight and is eager to see what the Congolese forward will do next.
“Here’s your headline – Yannick has just agreed to sign a three-and-a-half year extension,” said the former Newcastle United boss.
“I’ve said all along that he needs to deliver in the final moments in matches. Once he starts doing that he won’t be here – whatever the length of time we have on that contract.
“So my first priority was to secure him. Now I have to develop him further and if I can and take this club forward, that’s great. And if a big club comes in then I’ll use that to take the club forward again – it’s a simple equation.”
Pardew’s comments seems to be pointing to the fact that the player could be allowed to leave Selhurst Park if the right offer comes in, but it could be difficult for the Gunners to sign him as the new contract extension has done Arsenal no good.
Meanwhile, Arsenal face Olympiakos in a must-win Champions League game tonight and the Gunners will be aiming for all three points after falling to defeat against Dinamo Zagreb in the first game.