- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy is still keen on a move to the Premier League as his entourage contact some of the top English clubs.
HITC understands Serhou Guirassy’s representatives are continuing to work hard to seal a move to England in January.
Sources close to the situation confirm that Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brentford and Fulham have all been approached in the last few months – as they were made aware of his release clause – which mean he can move for little over £15m in January, which looks exceedingly good value for one of the top-scorers in the Bundesliga.
Guirassy is currently with Guinea ahead of the AFCON – so a deal doesn’t have to be completed quickly, just this month.
Stuttgart want the player to stay but admit they are helpless to keep him – if an approach is made.
“Our strategy is not to hope, fear and keep our fingers crossed,” Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth told BW24.
“It’s not wishful thinking. We are constantly in contact, and if matters align that are favourable, then we will do it. If not, then not. We will keep our eyes and ears open. We’re not under any pressure, but the squad situation is a bit tense at the moment,” he added.
Serhou Guirassy in the form of his life this season
Hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by boss Sebastian Hoeness, Guirassy has long been considered a dangerous striker, even going back to his days in the Lille ranks.
Nobody could have really expected Guirassy to become one of Europe’s hottest strikers this season, though.
The 27-year-old has smashed 17 goals in just 14 Bundesliga games this season, taking German football by storm.
A physical centre forward who has also shown his quality on the ball and with his link-up play for an impressive Stuttgart side.
There may be concerns that this is just a purple patch for Guirassy, but his all-round game has been so good that he is bound to have Premier League suitors.
Arsenal will surely weigh up Guirassy move
Many of the clubs contacted are in the market for a new striker or two and Arsenal may well be tempted by Guirassy.
Three defeats in a row in all competitions means the Gunners are in need of reinforcements this month.
Arsenal are lacking a real goalscorer and won’t be wanting to spend a huge fee in the middle of the season.
Guirassy’s goal record and price tag mean he could fit the bill for Arsenal, even if they would be banking on his form continuing at the very highest level.
Arsenal have also been linked with Ivan Toney, a striker of a similar age but hasn’t played a league game since the back end of last season.
Guirassy would be cheaper and has been in great form of late, so we can imagine the Gunners being tempted by the Guinea international.
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