Arsenal dealt blow in Asian midfielder chase

Keisuke Honda’s agent has cooled rumours speculating that the Japanese midfielder has signed for Arsenal, insisting that Honda is planning on staying at CSKA Moscow next season.

"Is it reported that Keisuke is in London? This is not true," Kees Ploegsma told Sovetsky Sport.

"He's in Japan with his national team. He won't sign anywhere, it's sure that he stays at CSKA."


 

Arsenal have long been connected to a deal with Honda, after the 25-year-old starred for CSKA Moscow over the last season.

But with the star intent on staying in Russia, Arsenal will now look elsewhere for midfielders, with the Gunners reportedly also linked with Marvin Martin and Eden Hazard.

Wenger is desperate to spend big today before the transfer window closes, to appease fans after Arsenal were crushed 8-2 by Manchester United on Sunday.