Premier League side Arsenal has been dealt with a major setback following reports claiming that Lorient FC forward Alexis Claude Maurice stated that he wants to join Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach this summer transfer window.
The Gunners were hoping to complete their first signing of this summer transfer window as there were plenty of reports that claimed that the 21-year-old French forward was close to signing for Arsenal when the links stated that he had already agreed on personal terms with the club.
But that story seems to have taken a wrong turn as Claude Maurice has admitted that he would prefer playing his football in the German League at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Claude Maurice took the Ligue 2 by storm last season when he scored 14 goals and added a further four assists to his name for FC Lorient. This attracted interest from several top suitors across the European continent including North London outfit Arsenal. The Gunners looked in dire need to fill up their wide areas last season with a high profile player to add that extra dynamism in their attack.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery was also impressed by the young Frenchman and his ability to influence games. The Spanish boss wanted the club to pursue the £18 million-rated attacker despite been given a summer transfer chest of around just £40 million. Even Arsenal’s London rivals West Ham United were keen on trying to sign the star attacker but Arsenal was first in line until the player himself has delivered a shocking verdict.
The two London sides were dealt a big blow when Claude Maurice stated that he wanted to join German club Borussia Monchengladbach instead of moving to England. Claude Maurice said, “I want to join Gladbach [Borussia Mönchengladbach]. They are a club that focuses on young players. There is a good structure; they are playing in the Europa League. I like their project & it suits me.”
