Saturday, 27th August, 2011
Arsenal have gazumped French champions Lille to take South Korea striker Park Chu-Young to the Emirates.
Park has been linked with a move away from Monaco for most of the summer after the south coast side were relegated to Ligue 2 last season.
The 26-year-old had been rumoured to be on Liverpool’s wanted list and was keen on a move to Anfield, but of late looked to be heading to Lille as the club were in advanced talks to sign the striker. A fee had been agreed with Monaco and Park was undergoing a medical with Rudi Garcia’s men.
But the striker received a call from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger yesterday and failed to show up for the second stage of his Lille medical.
"We haven’t had a telephone call, nothing", said Lille President Michel Seydoux.
"From what we understand, he could be at Arsenal.
"Like Monaco, Lille are baffled. Everything had been agreed."
And Seydoux expressed his disgust at Park’s behaviour.
"We are stunned by this unacceptable behaviour in terms of a person.
"This shows that the player had no place at Lille."
Park enjoyed a respectable campaign last year, despite Monaco’s relegation and had set himself against playing in Ligue 2.
The forward wanted to play in the Premier League this season, but looked to have settled for a move to French champions Lille until Arsenal’s dramatic entry into the race.
Latest Features:
