Arsenal are set to make a shock offer for Manchester City superstar Kevin de Bruyne.
JustArsenal reports that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to reunite with the player he worked together with at Man City whilst he was assistant manager to Pep Guardiola.
However, the report adds that Arsenal will need to assess the player’s physical condition give he turns 34 next month and also whether his wage demands are worth paying for.
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De Bruyne to leave Man City
De Bruyne announced last month that he would leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, bringing to an end a legendary decade of service at the Etihad.
It had been expected that De Bruyne would move to United States and continue his career in the MLS, with reports he was in advanced talks with San Diego.
However, in recent weeks it has emerged that top Premier League sides like Arsenal could swoop in for the Belgian.
And De Bruyne has not ruled out staying in the Premier League.
What did De Bruyne say?
“Honestly I don’t know. The decision to leave has not been long,” De Bruyne said recently.
“I have to speak to them and then I will see whichever team wants me. So I don’t know. I have no idea.”
Arsenal are being tipped as the most likely team to come in for De Bruyne if he stays in England.
Arsenal are in the market for at least one – possibly two – new central midfielders and Arteta would like an experienced option.
De Bruyne issued an emotional goodbye to Man City fans in April, announcing his exit from the club.
“Dear Manchester, seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player,” De Bruyne announced.
“Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first.
“Football led me to all of you-and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what we won EVERYTHING.
“Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michèle, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. ‘Manchester’ will forever be on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME.
“We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.
“Let’s enjoy these last moments together! Much love, KDB.”
De Bruyne has enjoyed a legendary career at Man City and will be remembered as arguably the greatest player in the club’s history.
After joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, De Bruyne has scored 72 goals and delivered an astonishing 118 assists in 282 Premier League games.
He has won his six Premier League titles, was crowned Premier League Player of the Season twice, as well as winning the Champions League, two FA Cups and five League Cups.
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