Expert view: Yohan Cabaye, NOT Geoffrey Kondogbia, could be set for Premier League move
Arsenal will reportedly miss out on the signing of Geoffrey Kondogbia after AS Monaco’s Champions League qualification, as the French outfit are keen on keeping hold of their strongest players.
The French international has been on the Emirates radar ever since he scored in the Champions League first leg when the two sides met and, after a brilliant season, the commanding midfielder has attracted interest from all over Europe.
Ligue 1 expert Jonathan Johnson suggests that Kondogbia was a ‘plan B’ for Arsenal anyway, with the London side after another French midfielder - Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin.
Johnson told the Transfer Tavern: “With Schneiderlin, Arsene Wenger will know what sort of player he will be getting; he has more Premier League experience than Kondogbia and it takes a while for a player to adapt.
"I think Kondogbia is suited to that style of play, he’s big, very tough and he’s physical and i think he is a player we will see in the Premier League at some point in the future.
“However, i’m not sure Monaco will want to let him go this summer. Having returned to the Champions League and having to go through the qualifiers, they will see him as a key player”.
Johnson revealed that despite Monaco’s financial problems, they will not be forced into selling the French midfielder because the imminent departure of Radamel Falcao will help balance the books.
He said: “They’re not in the best positions regarding Financial Fair Play, but a lot of that determines on whether they can get rid of Falcao.
“That is what they’re trying to push ahead with at the moment, trying to seal his departure.
“I know that Chelsea have been linked with him in the last week and if that move was to go ahead, it will take a bit of pressure off of the club.”
Another Ligue 1 star in the transfer spotlight is Yohan Cabaye.
Johnson claims that Cabaye is reportedly looking for a return to the Premier League this season in a bid to secure his place in the French national side before the European Championships in 2016.
The former Newcastle talisman has had a mixed time of it at PSG, winning two Ligue 1 titles but with his role predominantly restricted to substitute appearances.
Now with just a few international games before the European Championships, Johnson suggests that the midfielder will jump at the chance of some first team football, with the Premier League his most likely destination.
The French football journalist said: “He’s holding on to his place in the France squad by the skin of his teeth.
"It’s been a really frustrating first full season for him. I cannot see Cabaye being a PSG player at the start of next season and I can see, ideally for him, a move back to the Premier League happening, whether it’s on loan or a permanent transfer.
"His only problem is that teams need to be prepared to pay Cabaye the same wages that he is on at PSG."