Manchester City midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim is flattered by transfer speculation linking him with a summer move to Arsenal, Sky Sports understands.
Ibrahim, who is currently on loan at Norwegian Tippeligaen side Stromsgodset IF until the end of the season, has won the plaudits of a number of English Premier League clubs, including the likes of Arsenal, Fulham, Liverpool, Swansea City and West Ham United.
The Norway youth international is expected to take part in the Under-21 European Championship in Israel this summer, which will give scouts from the aforementioned clubs a good opportunity to see him in action against formidable competition.
Ibrahim plans to hold contract talks with Manchester City in the near future, but also admitted it would be an ‘honour’ to play under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.
All things considered, the 22-year-old midfielder is currently focused on next month’s Under-21 European Championship, with his long-term future on the back burner for the moment.
“I’m very flattered to be linked with Arsenal, I grew up as an Arsenal fan and my hero was Patrick Vieira when he was playing there,” Ibrahim told Sky Sports.
“I would be very honoured to play for Arsenal and it would be all my dreams come true to work with Arsene Wenger,” said Ibrahim.
“He has developed so many young players over the years and gave them chances in the first team but at the moment my focus now is doing very well in the Under 21 European Championship next month in Israel with my national team and hopefully try and win the tournament.
“We will see what happens in the next couple of months about my future as I’m contracted to Manchester City for another year.
“I’m open to extending my new deal, but I’d like to meet the new manager if it’s [Manuel] Pelligrini and see what he has to say.
“I’m 22 years old now and I want to be playing week in, week out in the Premier League.”
Ibrahim has scored one goal in nine league appearances for Stromsgodset this season.
Thiago Silva set for PSG stay
The agent of Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva, Paulo Tonietto, has insisted the player will not be leaving the Parc des Princes this summer, Sky Sports reports.
Silva, 28, joined PSG from AC Milan on a five-year contract in a deal reportedly worth €42 million last summer. According to reports, the Brazil international’s wages are in excess of excess of €185,000-a-week.
The 28-year-old, who led PSG to their first league title in 19 years during his debut season, has been linked with a move to FC Barcelona in recent months.
However, Tonietto has moved to rubbish the rumours linking his client with a move away from the Parc des Princes, while revealing he has not received an offer from Barcelona.
“Silva’s future? It is at PSG, there is nothing more to say. He signed a contract one year ago, so it is out of the question that he will leave,” Tonietto told L’Equipe.
“Could a possible departure of (Carlo) Ancelotti change that? I don’t think so. The presence of Carlo had a big impact when Thiago signed for PSG, but they are not linked. Thiago would be disappointed if he left, but life for PSG and Thiago would go on without Ancelotti.
“Interest from Barca? What interest? Have you seen a proposition from Barca? I haven’t, neither has Thiago nor PSG.
“If PSG were to sell there would be a lot of clubs interested. But to me it would be a huge surprise. His future is at PSG.”
The Brazilian defender anchored the No. 1 defence in Ligue 1 last season, while netting three goals in 34 appearances across all competitions.
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