Sunday, 14th April, 2013
Highly-rated Anderlecht defender Cheikhou Kouyate has rebuffed attempts to persuade him to remain at the Belgian giants for the sake of his future, pointing out that if Arsenal make good on their long-standing interest this summer then the decision, for him, is easy.
Kouyate has been tipped as a future defensive great and further enhanced his standing with a series of accomplished performances at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Anderlecht were successful in keeping hold of the 23-year-old last summer, but their chances of repeating that this summer look more questionable.
And there is little doubt Kouyate will push hard to leave if Arsenal make a move.
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"Everyone says you should take things one step at a time, but if Arsenal come then I have no doubt", Kouyate explained to Belgian daily Het Laaste Nieuws.
"When I played at Brussels, [before joining Anderlecht], Arsene Wenger was already in touch with me.
"Arsenal have been following me for such a long time, but I had to get my [Belgian] passport. That now seems in order."
However, Kouyate did also stress that for now his focus is entirely on Anderlecht, with who his contract runs until 2014.
"I think currently only about Anderlecht.
"When I leave here I want to do so through the front gate, with a national title."
Anderlecht face a key game this evening in their Belgian title push, when Club Brugge visit the Brussels-based giants.
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