Leverkusen admit interest in De Bruyne; Mertesacker rules out Bundesliga return

Leverkusen admit interest in De Bruyne

Bayer Leverkusen are the latest club to have confirmed their interest in Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne.

The Belgian is currently on loan at Werder Bremen, where he is enjoying a great season on personal level, despite the fact that his side are largely struggling at the moment.

Werder plan to buy out the player’s contract at the end of the season, but they are likely to face a stiff competition from Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen chief Wolfgang Holzhauser has described De Bruyne as “a very interesting man” in Kolner Express.

The 21-year-old was purchased by Chelsea in January 2012, but has yet to make a single appearance for the Blues.

He has made it clear that he is not too keen on returning to Stamford Bridge and it appears that he will be staying in German Bundesliga after all.

De Bruyne, who has scored 6 goals and produced 8 assists in 26 league matches for Werder, has a contract until June 2017.

Mertesacker rules out Bundesliga return

Arsenal stopper Per Mertesacker has moved to deny speculations linking him with a summer return to Germany.

During the last few weeks, the Germany international has been linked with a summer return to Bundesliga, with Wolfsburg even admitting interest in his services.

Nevertheless, the towering defender is adamant he will not be leaving the Gunners any time soon.

“A change is not an issue,” Mertesacker was quoted as saying in Sport Bild. “Our manager Arsene Wenger gives me absolute confidence, I play every game.

”I can think of nothing else but to stay at Arsenal.”

Per Mertesacker joined Arsenal in an €11 million move from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2011, and quickly nailed down a regular starting berth.

The 28-year-old, who is also a regular in Germany national team, has made a total of 47 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, and scored 2 goals.

CSKA Moscow keen on Elia

Russian newspaper Izvestia has learned that CSKA Moscow are keeping close tabs on Werder Bremen midfielder Eljero Elia.

The Russian giants are likely to stay without both Alan Dzagoev and Keisuke Honda in the summer, are they are ready to enter the market for a new attacking midfielder.

According to Izvestia, CSKA Moscow have made Dutch winger Eljero Elia their number one target in the summer transfer window.

The player’s representative has confirmed that his client would consider an offer from Russia.

“The club from the capital of Russia showed interest in Elia in the summer, but then the player chose to return to Germany,” agent Sharon Vink admitted to Izvestia.

“We now have a contract with Werder. Nevertheless, in the event of a serious offer, we would be ready to consider such an option.”

Eljero Elia has been struggling to fulfil his potential ever since he left Hamburger for Juventus, but at least he’s been playing regular football at Werder Bremen.

However, he has only managed to produce 3 assists in 22 Bundesliga games this season.

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