Arsene Wenger Arsenal
Arsene Wenger [Reuters] Reuters

Arsenal have been handed a massive boost in making their first signing of January as the agent of Auxerre striker Paul-Georges Ntep has admitted that the 21-year-old club leave the French club this month.

The France U21 international has been a transfer target for the north London club after the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger heaped praise on Ntep. The striker also confirmed the approach from Arsenal after admitting the Emirates club are keen on signing him in the ongoing transfer window.

The player's agent Mario Knez has admitted that Ntep could leave Auxerre in January after his impressive form for the Ligue 2 outfit. He has bagged 17 goals in the league this season.

"There is a chance, of course. When a footballer is having a good year, Auxerre is open to negotiating. There is no price set at the moment, but the club have proven to be realistic and responsible. Paul is young and strong. It would be a major investment for any club to take him," Knez told Tutto Mercato Web.

The Gunners were believed to have competition in signing Ntep as the Italian giants AS Roma are also keen on signing the striker. However, the Frenchman's representative has ruled out any approach from the Serie A club or from Arsenal for his client's signature.

There is a chance, of course. When a footballer is having a good year, Auxerre is open to negotiating.
- Arsenal target Paul-Georges Ntep's agent

"Nothing is true. As the Auxerre president has said, he has not receieved any offers from Arsenal for him. Roma? No, at the moment there is no contact with the Giallorossi," Ntep's agent stressed.

Arsenal have the services of Olivier Giroud and Nicklas Bendtner as the first choice striker in the squad. However, the Dane is currently on the sidelines with an injury, leaving the France international as the only striker to lead the Gunners' attack.

Any move from the north London side for Ntep would give Wenger more options during the team selection. However, Arsenal manager has admitted that the Emirates outfit are not closing in on making any signing in January.

"I was at Heathrow yesterday. I feel guilty coming to a press conference and having nothing to announce. It looks unlikely and we are not close to doing anything," Wenger explained.