Arsenal Transfer News: Anderlecht Defender Targets Gunners Switch

Anderlecht defender Cheikhou Kouyate has claimed he will consider joining Arsenal at the end of the season, as he likes the Gunners' style of play. The Senegal international has been linked with a move to Arsene Wenger's side for some time now.

The 23-year-old has confirmed he will leave the Belgian champions and also revealed Arsenal have made enquiries regarding his availability during recent transfer windows.

"I like Arsenal because they play good football. There have been enquiries before, but nothing happened. I do not want to say where I am going, but this will be my last season with Anderlecht. Until I leave, I will continue to give 100 per cent," Kouyate said.

The centre-back, who can also operate as a holding midfielder, has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Anderlecht so far this season. Kouyate had earlier stated he was close to joining the Gunners last summer but the prospect of a European adventure with the club where he is so adored by the supporters convinced him not to leave.

"The fans of Anderlecht asked me to stay for the club and they showed me their appreciation. Qualifying for the Champions League was also very important for me, because without that I think I should have been in London where I had a good contact with Arsene Wenger and Arsenal," the defender pointed out.

Meanwhile, Steve Bould has stated that both Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott have an outside chance of returning to the Arsenal side for their match against Norwich City at the Emirates next weekend.

Wilshere has been out of action for almost a month due to an ankle injury, while Walcott was sidelined with a groin problem suffered while on England duty a fortnight ago. The Gunners visit the Hawthorns to take on West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League this Saturday. Nacho Monreal is available for selection, after recovering from a knee injury suffered against Reading last week.