Thursday, February 26, 2009

Chelsea's Kalou keen on a move to Arsenal


Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou has said he would consider joining Arsenal at the end of the season after being told of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger's apparent interest in him.

Speaking to Setanta after Chelsea's 1-0 first-leg, last-16 Champions League win over Juventus on Wednesday evening the 23-year-old revealed he was honoured to be linked with Arsenal before heaping praise on Wenger and his side's style of play.

''Wenger said he thought of signing me? That's an honour for me, an honour'', said Kalou. ''He is a very great coach and I know that every single player in the world dreams of playing for him. I have a lot of respect for him, he is one of the best coaches in the world so why not?

''I am still under contract with Chelsea but of course I have plenty of friends who play for Arsenal in Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Emmanuel Adebayor. They are achieving huge things at Arsenal and watching them play is just beautiful.''

Kalou's revelation could prove to be destablising for Chelsea who have attempted to distance themselves from reports of in-fighting and under interim boss Guus Hiddink have appeared a more unified squad.

With Joe Cole ruled out through injury Hiddink has started Kalou in both of his two games in charge of Chelsea, but a lack of first team football before the Dutch coach's arrival could tempt Kalou to consider his options in the summer.

''You are never guaranteed to be in the Chelsea starting XI. Every single player fights to earn his place, including me, and the coach is the one that has the final word.

''At the present time I'm happy at Chelsea and I hope that the things that I want to happen will happen. I will think of my future once the season is over,'' added Kalou.

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