by Lewis Ambrose

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has said that Arsenal, along with Inter Milan, are showing an interest in AS Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia.

Arsenal will be linked with a number of strong midfielders all summer as Arsène Wenger looks to beef up his squad.

Monaco’s 3-1 victory at Emirates Stadium back in February saw Kondogbia impress and was even linked with a move to Arsenal two summers ago when he moved from to the French municipality from Sevilla.

French midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia arrives at the French national football team training base in Clairefontaine on June 1, 2015 on the first day of their training ahead of the friendly football match against Belgium to be held on June 7. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE
French midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia arrives at the French national football team training base in Clairefontaine on June 1, 2015 on the first day of their training ahead of the friendly football match against Belgium to be held on June 7. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE

Kondogbia, 22, scored the opener in that first leg and won eight tackles – more than any other player on the pitch. He also recovered loose balls more often than anyone else.

The midfielder has won three caps for France and played alongside Yaya Sanogo as the French team won the u20 World Cup in 2013.

Since signing for Sevilla in 2012 Kondogbia has 82 appearances in the major leagues of La Liga and Ligue 1, as well as gaining some experience in European competition.

Unlikely

Di Marzio said that Inter Milan are in talks with the player’s agent but Monaco – who would like to keep the Frenchman – want €35M.

According to the Italian, Inter are only prepared to bid €25M (about £18M) and it seems unlikely that Arsenal would go that far for a player who was available for €20M just two years ago.

Arsenal may well be interested in the player, and are likely to sign somebody like him, but not a young player with no experience in England for such a large sum of money.