AFC Ajax attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen has refused to sign a new deal at the club, fueling speculation that he could be set to leave the Amsterdam Arena in the summer, Sky Sports understands.
Eriksen, 20, has been linked with a number of English Premier League clubs in recent months, including the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Denmark international joined Ajax on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Superligaen side Odense BK in a deal worth a €1 million in October 2008.
Eriksen, whose current contract expires in June 2014, has bagged nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions for Ajax this season.
The Danish Footballer of the Year has just turned down a proposed contract extension from Ajax, according to the Dutch Eredivisie champions’ technical director Marc Overmars.
“Christian has informed us that he doesn’t want to sign a new contract right now. I think he and his agent want to see what opportunities present themselves this summer,” said Overmars.
“We want him to stay here for at least two more years, but the day he leaves us, he will be ready to play for the very best.
“He’s a player even the biggest clubs in the world could do with having in their squad.”
In all likelihood, Eriksen will garner a lot of interest when the transfer window reopens in the summer, and Manchester City — who had a concrete proposal rejected by the Denmark international in 2011 — will surely be one of his suitors.
Andre Santos joins Gremio
Arsenal left-back Andre Santos has joined Brasileirao side Gremio on loan until the end of the season, Sky Sports reports.
Santos, 29, has had a torrid time at the Emirates Stadium since joining the Gunners from Fenerbahce for a fee of €7 million in August 2011.
Following an injury to starting left-back Kieran Gibbs, Arsene Wenger showed just how much confidence he has in Andre Santos’ ability to fill-in at left-back. None.
Instead of giving Santos another chance, Wenger opted to bring in highly-rated Malaga and Spain left-back Nacho Monreal on transfer deadline day, and rightfully so.
The Brazil international has looked shaky at the back in each of his appearances for the Gunners this season.
“After finding first-team opportunities limited this term, Santos now returns to Brazil’s Serie A – the Brasileirao – for more regular first-team football. Everyone wishes Andre well for his time with the Tricolo,” read a statement on the Gunners’ official website.
Santos has scored three goals in 33 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal since the start of last season.
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