Transfer Blow for Arsenal as £13m Target Man Set to Extend Contract

Arsenal are set to lose out on Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac as L’Equipe have reported that the Frenchman is set to sign a contract extension with the club.

Gignac’s current contract expires next summer and there were reports that Arsenal could launch a bid in January to sign him in a cut-price deal. However, the French international has flourished under new manager Marcelo Bielsa’s tactics and could extend his stay at the club. The former Toulouse man has scored in 10 times in 11 appearances for Marseille so far; the type of form that will earn any player a new contract. He currently leads the goal scoring charts in Ligue 1 and has played a vital role in Marseille’s position in the league. His side currently sit at the top, 4 points ahead of nearest rivals Paris Saint Germain.

Even if Gignac does sign the contract, the window for Arsenal will not be closed entirely as L’Equipe revealed that the extension will be only for an year. He cost Marseille £13m in 2010, so based on his form, he could cost Arsenal a fee slightly higher than that in the summer if he does sign an extension with the club.

Arsene Wenger promised the club’s fans that there will be reinforcements come January  as they have been found wanting in the almost all positions on the pitch. Wenger did strengthen the attacking areas but injuries have once again stretched the squad. His side’s injury record has not been good in the last few years, which could compel Wenger to break the bank especially after a poor start to the League. The gunners have picked up 14 points in the League so far and were knocked out of the Capital One Cup by Southampton. They have made good progress in the last few weeks but were unconvincing against Hull City and Anderlecht last week.