Arsenal failed with loan move for striker – Agent

Mark Holmes
Aleksandr Kokorin: Arsenal wanted Russia striker

Aleksandr Kokorin: Arsenal wanted Russia striker

Arsenal attempted to sign Dynamo Moscow striker Aleksandr Kokorin on a season-long loan deal in the summer, the player’s agent has claimed.

Arsenal were criticised for failing to add to their strike ranks for the season, with Arsene Wenger claiming there was a “shortage in the world” of top-class strikers that were available.

However, it is claimed the Frenchman did make a move for Kokorin, who has scored 45 goals in 193 games for Dynamo and nine in 34 appearances for the Russian national side.

Dynamo manager Andrey Kolebec, however, says the club were only willing to discuss a permanent transfer.

“There were substantial discussions on Kokorin, but it did not happen,” he told sovsport.ru. “We vetoed a loan. I believe that Aleksandr deserves more than a loan.”

Kokorin’s agent, Cyril Loginov, confirmed that Arsenal were the club interested in his client but says they accepted Dynamo’s decision to reject the offer due to the 24-year-old’s good relationship with the club.

Arsenal too emotional – Cech

Meanwhile, Petr Cech has put Arsenal’s recent 3-2 Champions League defeat to Olympiacos down to a lack of game management after they had drawn level for a second time.

“You need to get away from the emotions and make sure you play the game in a practical way,” Cech said.

“We went with the emotion after coming back to 2-2, and we lost because of that. Sometimes you need to be more practical.

“You have to make sure you don’t give your opponent any easy options and that you are focused and concentrated every minute of the game.

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