Cardiff City stalwart Aron Gunnarsson has only 12 months remaining on his contract – meaning Derby County and Norwich City could nab him on the cheap.
President Gultekin Gencer hardly rolled out the usual soundbites about reaching the blessed 40 point mark with Antalyaspor preparing for life in the Turkish top flight in 2015. Instead, he disclosed the club’s plans to sign none other than Lionel Messi, Goal reports.
Two years on, however, it appears that they have set their expectations a little lower. According to Futbol Arena, Cardiff City’s Icelandic midfielder Aron Gunnarsson is the object of their affections these days rather than the four-time Ballon D’Or winner.
The 28-year-old has been an almost ever present for the South Welsh club this season but, with his contract expiring next summer, there will surely be no shortage of clubs aiming to snare him on the cheap – especially with Derby County and Norwich City previously linked.
The Sun reported last summer that the Championship duo were more than willing to meet Cardiff’s £2 million valuation. At the time, the bearded Viking of a midfielder had fallen out of favour with The Bluebirds, making only 28 starts appearances under Russell Slade.
Bargain buy
However, despite Neil Warnock making Gunnarsson an integral part of the starting XI once more, they could be powerless to prevent him from leaving if he is enticed by offers elsewhere with just 12 months remaining on his deal.
And Derby and Norwich would certainly represent intriguing destinations. After below par seasons, both clubs missing out on the play-offs, they are embarking upon respective new eras.
Norwich have a new director of football in Stuart Webber and recently released seven senior players as part of a major squad rebuild. Derby, meanwhile, are now under the management of the highly-regarded Gary Rowett.
And adding bite to his midfield should be a top summer priority.
Therefore, Gunnarsson could be an excellent signing to kick off the new regimes at Pride Park or Carrow Road.
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