Report: Arsenal linked with Marseille defensive stalwart

By grvadmin

According to the Daily Express, Arsenal are reportedly keen to step up their interest in Marseille international Nicolas N’Koulou this summer, following the Cameroon international’s impressive performances at the heart of the Ligue 1 outfit’s defence.

N’Koulou has been a mainstay in the Marseille back line ever since his £3 million move from Monaco four years ago and his form has attracted the attention of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in recent seasons, with the Gunners expected to step up their interest with a formal bid over the coming months.

The Cameroonian made 24 appearances, scoring two goals,  as his side achieved a fifth placed finish last term. Throughout the season, he averaged more defensive actions than any of his team-mates, while averaging a greater pass success rate than everyone, but Mikel Arteta, at the Emirates.

Understandably, Marseille have no interest in selling the 25-year-old and therefore any Arsenal attempt to sign him could prove futile. The French club’s president Vincent Labrune has made it clear that he intends to keep the player and turn down any interest from Arsene Wenger’s side.