Raul Jimenez 'would be interested' in Arsenal says pundit
Wolves striker Raul Jimenez ‘would be interested’ in a move to Arsenal if Mikel Arteta needs a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, believes former Premier League star Craig Burley. Aubameyang has been linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium with Barcelona making an approach earlier this window.
Raul Jimenez 'would be interested' in Arsenal transfer if Aubameyang leaves for Barcelona (Image: Getty)
And Burley believes Jimenez will be a name on Arsenal lips if Aubameyang departs - even though he is sceptical of a move to Camp Nou.
Asked on ESPN FC if a Gunners switch would be a sideways move for the 28-year-old, Burley said: “I don’t see Aubameyang going to Barcelona.
“I don’t think he’s that kind of player. If you look at Wolves and Arsenal, Wolves are a better side at the moment under Nuno Espirito Santo.
“However, Arsenal are a bigger club and are potentially going to have a better team down the line depending [on] how [Mikel] Arteta does with the recruitment.
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“So I think a move to Arsenal would be something that Jimenez would be interested in.”
Jimenez looks set to stay in the Black Country for the immediate future but Nuno reacted coyly when asked earlier this month about the possibility of his star leaving.
Reports linking Jimenez to Manchester United were put to the Portuguese boss, to which he replied: “This is the first time I heard it.
“Ole didn’t mention anything about that. The transfer window is open.
Raul Jimenez has scored 11 league goals this season (Image: Getty)
“When it is open anything can happen. We are delighted to have Raul.”
Arsenal have focused on defensive reinforcements in January with centre-back Pablo Mari joining from Flamengo on loan with an option to buy.
Southampton full-back Cedric Soares is also expected to join in a deal worth around £5m.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl gave the green light for Soares to leave, saying: “From our side, yes [he can leave].
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“The fact is that he's out of contract in the summer. Sometimes things change quickly in football.
"Then for the club and for him, it is the best that we say: ‘Okay, if you want to leave, you have only two or three more months (of) contract, then it's better to go.’ And we are concentrating on developing other players."