Welcome To London – Arsenal BEATS Manchester United To Arturo Vidal Signing

One of the key areas Arsene Wenger needs to strengthen this summer is the midfield. Though, the Gunners boast of one of the most creative set of players in that department, a few things still needs to be done to provide the much-needed physical presence in the midfield. With Coquelin emerging as a force to be reckoned with, there is still room left for a world-class midfield enforcer to provide cover for the backline.

According to the Metro, the Gunners have been “cleared” to complete the signing of Chilean and Juventus midfield dynamo, Arturo Vidal. Vidal was involved in a long-drawn transfer saga with Manchester United last summer, but may no longer feature in the club’s plans as Louis van Gaal has reportedly cooled interest in the South American.

Van Gaal’s decision may have been influenced by the player’s disciplinary problem, which saw the 28-year old midfielder charged to court last week for drunk-driving. This, according to the Metro, didn’t go down well with the Dutchman, who has now switched his interest to Bayern Munich midfielder, Bastian Schweinsteiger, according to the Metro.

Arsenal reportedly held transfer talks with the 28-year old midfielder over a possible move to the Emirates; and may have had their bid to sign the player given a massive boost following the withdrawal of United. The Gunners may have to pay a transfer fee of £28.5million if they hope to sign the player this summer; a fee that may not be too heavy for them to pay considering how much was paid for Ozil and Sanchez in the last two summer.