‘In January’: Club chief says ‘terrific’ World Cup star will leave, amid talk of Newcastle and Arsenal
Angers club president, Said Chabane, has said that the club’s aim is to do a deal for Azzedine Ouhani in January, amid talk of Newcastle and Arsenal.
Ounahi was one of the standout performers for Morocco in a memorable World Cup for the African side. The number eight impressed time and again, with Danny Murphy labelling Ounahi as ‘absolutely terrific‘ at the tournament.
Of course, such performances generate interest. Recent days have seen Newcastle linked with a move for Ounahi, while former Arsenal man Ray Parlour has urged the Gunners to sign him as well.
And in a boost to Newcastle – and Arsenal if they fancy following Parlour’s advice – the Angers president has admitted Ounahi is likely to be sold in January.
“We have had many offers for him, from big and medium-sized clubs. They have come from all over, from Italy, Spain, England, and France,” Chabane said.
“Our wish is to find an agreement in January, but also that he can remain until the end of the season.”
Ounahi is expected to be in-demand from a number of clubs, not just Newcastle. His stock is higher than ever, which will be prompting Chabane to cash in on his man while the iron is hot.
Our View: Ounahi could shine in the Premier League
You can see why Parlour wanted Arsenal to sign Ounahi. A lot about him just screams Arsenal player, while Newcastle would also no doubt benefit from his talents.
Ounahi is one of those players who seized his moment in the World Cup. It can happen, and if people hadn’t heard of him before Qatar, they have now.
In effect, whoever gets Ounahi is getting a fine player. The question will be whether he can produce such levels in the Premier League.
