Welcome To The Emirates – Arsenal On Verge Of Signing 47 Goals Striker

As soon as that “humbling” tweet from Karim Benzema – that he would not leave Real Madrid – surfaced on Monday, reports started gathering pace that Arsenal are in talks with a striker from the Russian top division. And when the name Kokorin popped out, it was met by much amazement of the Gunners fans especially. Seriously Kokorin? This was probably because the name does not even ring a bell, as he is relatively unknown. But now it appears Arsenal will be completing that deal after all, so fans brace yourself up!

The Daily Star has cited Russian news outlet Gazeta to claim Arsenal are on the brink of signing Dynamo Moscow forward Aleksandr Kokorin.

It is claimed a deal is close to being finalised for Kokorin to move to the Emirates before next week when the transfer window will be shut, as Arsenal have beaten off competition from several European top sides for the striker’s signature.

Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Zenit St. Petersburg and Tottenham have all been linked to Kokorin who is now set for a new adventure with the north London club. The player’s agent Cyril Loginov had previously claimed he was working on a deal to take his client to the Premier League, although he didn’t mention Arsenal. But it is thought Arsenal have fended off competitions from their interest Premier League rivals to sign the Dynamo Moscow striker.

“Right now I’m working on Kokorin’s transfer,” the agent said.

United and Tottenham are interested in his services.”

It appears Arsenal need Kokorin the most having apparently lost out on Benzema. The need to bring in a quality goal scorer is pressing and Arsene Wenger knows he has to do that before the closure of the transfer window in six days’ time.

Kokorin, 24, featured for Russia in the Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He had spent his entire career at Dynamo, except for a short and rather weird stint at Anzhi Makhachkala – who he joined briefly – before a restructuring at the club at business level saw the Russia international sold back to Dynamo before he even kicked a ball for Anzhi.

In 193 games for Dynamo, Kokorin has scored 45 goals and reached double figures in terms of goals last season. Quick and intelligent, he has been an exceptional player in the Russian league and has enough experience on the international scene, but it will be intriguing to see how he performs in the English Premier League, should Arsenal finally sign him.