Pape Gueye’s representatives confirm Arsenal offer after Watford collapse

Add as preferred source on Google

Pape Gueye’s representatives have told French outlet Le Phoceen that Arsenal have made an offer to sign the out-of-contract midfielder – after a proposed move to Watford collapsed, as per a statement from the player.

Le Havre midfielder Gueye, 21, has sprung onto the shortlists of numerous clubs after clocking up 40 senior appearances for the Ligue 2 side. He played 25 times this season, helping Le Havre finish in a lofty sixth place.

Watford announced earlier this year that they had agreed a pre-contract deal for Gueye – but the player has since released a statement with L’Equipe ruling out a move to the Hornets. His future remains up in the air.

Now, his agents have told Le Phoceen that Arsenal have made an offer for Gueye – which is three times as high as offers from others clubs including Marseille. However, Gueye has rejected Arsenal, as he wants to play in Ligue 1.

“Marseille is one of the clubs most interested in Pape, it’s clear,” Gueye’s agents said. “Metz, Strasbourg, Angers, Nantes, German, Portuguese and Spanish clubs are also interested.

“Arsenal also contacted us, offering a salary three times as high. But Pape wants to play in Ligue 1 for two or three years before going abroad. Marseille have him on their shortlist, which would be a great move.”

TBR’s view – Is Gueye really worth the clamour?

Yes, he seems a good young player, but he is hardly groundbreaking. A total of 40 appearances for a club in the second tier of French football is certainly eye-catching, but is it worth this kind of coverage and clamour?

Certainly, Gueye has plenty of potential and has a chance of becoming a Premier League regular in years to come. But there seems to be too much hype for a player that would struggle with the competition at Arsenal.

It looks as though Marseille and Andre Villas-Boas will sign Gueye, anyway.