Arsenal have been linked with signing Georginio Wijnaldum from Paris Saint-Germain but the ex-Liverpool midfielder is focusing on his “integration” in France rather than a transfer
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Arteta gives update on Arsenal’s transfer plans ahead of Deadline Day
Arsenal ‘s hopes of signing Georginio Wijnaldum appear to have taken a hit after the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder suggested he is happy in the French capital and not seeking a move away.
The 31-year-old only joined PSG from Liverpool in June but reports claimed Wijnaldum is ‘isolated’ in France and would be open to a return to the Premier League.
But speaking on PSG’s Twitch channel, the Dutchman poured cold water on the speculation by saying: “My integration went well. I arrived at a new club, a new league.
“I learn every day from my teammates and the staff. They all helped me a lot to fit in.
“We get to know each other a little more every day. I’m learning French too, it’s important for my integration.”
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Sky Sports recently reported that despite the Ligue 1 giants’ stance that they would not sell Wijnaldum, the Netherlands international is a long-time admirer of Arsenal, suggesting a loan deal could be done in January.
However, Wijnaldum will be unavailable to play until next month, as he is currently out with an ankle issue.
The former Anfield favourite sustained the injury against Brest on January 15, shortly after registering his second assist for his new club.
On the setback, Wijnaldum said: “I knew right away that it was a bit serious. Now I’m better but the recovery time varies for each player.
“During the recovery process, I work very hard, even more than normal.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a midfielder before deadline day, having seemingly missed out on Juventus ‘ Arthur Melo and Lyon star Bruno Guimaraes.
But following the Gunners’ disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Burnley last Sunday, Arteta was reluctant to confirm if any transfer business will take place before next Monday.
“We are certainly trying, but I don’t know if we’re going to be able to do it,” the Gunners boss admitted. “Let’s see, it’s not only our intention, but a lot of facts that are needed to happen.”
Arteta continued: “Players that come here have to be able to take us to the next level. We already have a level, and we want to see much better standards than we already have, and that is how we’re going to recruit.”
Quizzed on whether deals should have been done earlier in the window, the Spaniard added: “I think that’s the dream of every manager, to have them in the team on the first day, but it isn’t realistic and in this window as well, the history of this window, a lot of them happen right at the end.”
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