Arsenal slapped down as striker goads Gunners failures and Man Utd, Liverpool are gifted transfer chance
In-demand Gent striker Gift Oban has spoken of his desire to move to the Premier League – but has emphatically shot down reports of a move to Arsenal with a staggering criticism of Mikel Arteta’s side.
The 20-year-old Nigerian star is enjoying an excellent season for the Belgian Pro League side, notching 19 goals in 19 matches this season. That tally includes five goals in six Europa Conference League matches, including a four-minute hat-trick against Istanbul Basaksehir on March 15.
Gent’s run in the competition was ultimately ended at the quarter-final stage by West Ham, who have gone on to reach the final. However, the striker’s five goals from three play-off matches has ensured the Belgian side will be back in Europe next season.
However, it seems like they may have to make do without the services of Oban following claims he is a target for a host of Premier League clubs.
Indeed, Friday’s Transfer Gossip claimed he is being sized up both Manchester United and Tottenham, with the pair both watching his progress.
Any deal though would not come cheap with the Belgians likely to demand a huge fee for the 5ft 10in dynamo.
However, amid claims he could be on the move to the Premier League, Oban has spoken out on his transfer chances.
And while he admits a liking to Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City, he appears to have emphatically ruled out a move to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side will likely finish this season off as Premier League runners-up. After leading the table for so long, many seem to see second as a failure for the Gunners. And it seems Oban is among them.
Oban keen on Man Utd, Liverpool – but not Arsenal
Opening up on his future and a possible move to the Premier League, Oban spoke to Het Laatste Nieuws.
Asked about what his ‘craziest football dream’ is, he replied: “Playing in a big league!”
Discussing where that could be, he added: “At a club where I feel comfortable and where I play. The Premier League is my ultimate dream. Manchester United, Liverpool or Manchester City.”
One club linked with his signature is Arsenal, but Oban has mocked the Gunners for their trophy failings.
“I don’t really like Arsenal that much – it’s like they don’t want to win titles,” he joked.
“They play and sell players – that’s it. I want to go somewhere where they win prizes. At Real Madrid they don’t have time for tiki-taka, there they just grab titles.”
Quite whether he will secure a Premier League move this summer remains to be seen. Liverpool and Manchester City certainly look well blessed for strikers anyway, while United’s ambitions will see them targeting more experienced names.
Arsenal could look to bolster their attack, though. But after his criticism of Arteta’s side, the player’s comments are unlikely to have gone down too well at Emirates Stadium.
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