Lyon president reveals Arsenal tried to sign Gourcuff
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed that he was contacted by Arsenal regarding the deadline day move for Yoann Gourcuff.
Arsenal completed a series of deadline day deals but the Gunners failed to sign Lyon playmaker Yoann Gourcuff.
The 25-year-old has had a difficult start to his career at Gerland and Arsene Wenger wanted to bring him on loan, but the offer was rejected by Lyon.
“I had a call on the penultimate day of the transfer window (from) Gilles Grimandi for a loan deal,” Jean-Michel Aulas told RMC.
“We believe in the recovery of Yoann. He has just resumed training.
“We made the choice (to keep) Gourcuff, just like last year.
“It was difficult last year. Hopefully he is going to prove his capabilities this year.”
Gignac rues failed Fulham switch
Marseille forward Andre-Pierre Gignac is unhappy with the club chiefs after they denied him a chance to complete his move to Fulham.
The France international traveled to London to complete a loan deal with the Cottagers after Marseille had agreed a fee with Fulham, but the deal eventually fell through.
OM sporting director Jose Anigo says the deal didn’t go through because Juventus striker Amauri rejected a switch to Velodrome.
“Amauri wanted to come, but after he did some thinking it stalled and he did not arrive,” Anigo told RMC.
“With Fulham there was an agreement but the deal was not confirmed. It was close to the deadline.
”In order not to take any chances, we stopped the negotiations and Andre-Pierre Gignac returned to Marseille.”
The player was not happy with the latest developments.
“I am not angry, but there is a bitter taste in my mouth,” Gignac told L’Equipe.
He also spoke to coach Didier Deschamps.
“He knows what I think. We talk like adults. Without bitterness, without animosity. Even if what happened was terrible.”
Reto Ziegler set for Fenerbahce loan
Juventus full-back Reto Ziegler is set to complete a loan deal to Fenerbahce, Italian news agency Ansa reports.
The transfer window in Turkey is opened until 5th September, meaning that Turkish clubs have few more days to complete their squads for the new season.
Fenerbahce have been thrown out from UEFA Champions League due to their involvement in match fixing scandal, but the Turkish giants are still trying to reinforce the squad before the new season starts.
After selling Andre Santos to Arsenal on transfer deadline day in England, the club chiefs have set their sights on Juventus defender Reto Ziegler, who they see as a perfect replacement for the Brazilian.
The Switzerland international has only arrived to Turin this summer, but he doesn’t appear to be in Antonio Conte’s plans for the new season and could be farmed out on loan.
Fenerbahce are reportedly ready to pay Juventus €2.5 million for season-long loan.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2010/11 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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