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Premier League • England

Georginio Wijnaldum to Arsenal gathers pace as Liverpool legend sends midfielder clear message

Georginio Wijnaldum PSG midfielder in Champions League action against RB Leipzig

Arsenal have been lifted in their efforts to prise Georginio Wijnaldum away from PSG amid reports that the Netherlands midfielder is a huge admirer of the club under Mikel Arteta.

Wijnaldum has had a rough time in the French capital after his free-transfer move last summer. He has made just 10 Ligue 1 starts and failed to convince Mauricio Pochettino he should be a regular starter. He has though started the last three games in varying positions from left to right wing, as well as his favoured central midfield role.

And the Gunners – despite seemingly closing in on a Juventus star – are also reportedly weighing up a move for Wijnaldum.

They reportedly want to offer the Holland midfielder a six-month loan at Emirates Stadium should Wijnaldum push to leave.

Now those hopes have been given a significant lift after Sky Sports claimed Arsenal are “one of his favourite clubs”.

“I’ve been told Arsenal are one of his favourite clubs,” reporter Kaveh Solhekol said. “Somebody quite close to me said that when he was growing up that he was an Arsenal supporter. So I think that he would be more than happy to play for Arsenal one day.

“I’m not going to say it’s going to happen this month. I’m not going to say it’s going to happen in the summer.

“But they are definitely, I’ve been told, a club that are close to his heart.”

Rush can see Wijnaldum at Arsenal

Furthermore, former Liverpool striker Ian Rush also reckons a move to Arsenal will benefit Wijnaldum.

“I notice Gini Wijnaldum being linked with a move to Arsenal this week. I can see why, it makes sense,” Rush said, via Football.London.

“He’s an experienced midfielder and became a really valuable player in [Jurgen] Klopp’s Liverpool side. I had hoped he would stay at the club beyond last summer.

Arsenal are interested in Wijnaldum

Arsenal are interested in Wijnaldum

Arsenal are interested in PSG midfielder Gini Wijnaldum.

“In hindsight, it looks as though he would have been better off staying at Liverpool. But he chose to take up the offer from Paris Saint-Germain. And, as we see all too often, the grass is not always greener on the other side.

“He’s not playing regularly in Paris but he’d definitely get more game time at Arsenal. They could use a bit of experience to complement what is already a good but young side.”

Arsenal, not Newcastle a good fit – Rush

We broke the news in November that Newcastle are also reportedly keen on Wijnaldum.

However, Rush believes the Gunners are a far better fit for the 31-year-old.

“They could face some competition from Gini’s old club Newcastle though, who have a new-found wealth, and a lot of football decisions come down to money these days.

“If he does end up going back to Newcastle, you’d have to assume he’s only going there for financial reasons because they look like they’ll be playing Championship football next season.

“Arsenal would be a much better move for him in my opinion, even if it’s on lesser wages.

“They’re really going for the top four and they’re still in the hunt for a trophy. But if Gini has both options it will come down to either a football decision or a financial decision.”

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