La Liga Chief: I Rejected An Approach From Arsenal

Espanyol chief Josep Maria Duran says Arsenal enquired about Raul de Tomas…

Espanyol chief José María Durán revealed that he turned down an approach from Arsenal for striker Raul de Tomas towards the end of the January window, the Spaniard told Esport 3.

It was highly documented that the club was looking to strengthen our strikeforce in the January window, especially given the precarious position of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

As news emerged that we were in advanced talks with Barcelona regarding a deal for Aubameyang, Gunners fans were certain the aforementioned deal was contingent upon us landing a forward.

However, Aubameyang eventually joined the Catalan giants on a permanent deal, while the club failed to bring in any reinforcements.

Nevertheless, comments from the Espanyol director prove that Arsenal didn’t fail to strengthen the squad through the want of trying.

“Arsenal called for Raúl de Tomás but we didn’t even want to talk,” the Spanish chief said about Arsenal’s apparent approach.

“We won’t let him go now, no way. His release clause is €75m”.

De Tomas, 27, has a solid goal record for the La Liga side, netting 39 times in 75 appearances in all competitions. The former Benfica man is as comfortable bringing his teammates into play as he is stretching the game.

His profile certainly matches the type of player Mikel Arteta wants to lead the line.

Having said that, Mr Duran may well just be attempting to increase his popularity among his fans with the statements above. Indeed, his mentioning of De Tomas was the first time we’ve been linked to the striker.

They may have hit a brick wall this winter, but Edu and Arteta will be expected to bring in at least two strikers in the summer window.

As things stand, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah will leave the club once their deals expire in June.