Former Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou bagged the goal that ensured the Ivory Coast of a place in Brazil.
Recently Arsenal have been linked with a number of strikers, and one is a familiar name. Salomon Kalou, formerly of Chelsea, is now at Lille after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer of 2012.
And since the move he has not looked back. Playing as more of a central striker than he did in his time at Stamford Bridge he has banged in the goals this year – and that has made him a transfer target for Arsenal.
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Lille had to give him an incentive to make the move to Ligue 1 – and that came in the form of a measly release clause of just £2.5 million.
That has attracted Arsenal – who are seeking striking options to take the weight off of the shoulders of Olivier Giroud.
And last night Kalou bagged another goal – this one ensuring his country of a place at next summer’s World Cup.
Kalou’s Ivory Coast travelled to take on Senegal in the neutral location of Casablanca, Morocco – and did so with a 3-1 lead in tow from the first leg.
And they looked like they were sailing through to the finals – Moussa Sow scored a penalty in the 77th minute to have fingernails biting across Cote d’Ivoire.
But, with Senegal pressing for the win, The Elephants broke – with Yaya Toure laying the ball on a plate for the former Chelsea man to ensure his nation would be in Brazil next summer.
Here is the goal:
image: © Ben Sutherland
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