Arsenal & Chelsea lead race to sign Asamoah

Arsenal and Chelsea are competing to sign Juventus star Kwadwo Asamoah, reports Italian publication Tuttosport.

The 26-year-old struggled with a knee injury last season, making just ten appearances in the Old Lady’s double winning campaign. With Patrice Evra taking his position on the left and performing well as the Bianconeri won the Coppa Italia and Serie A, as well as getting to the Champions League final, it could be that there is no longer a place for Asamoah in Massimiliano Allegri’s starting XI.

However, despite this the Italian side aren’t interested in selling the 66 cap Ghana international this summer. With Evra now 34-years-old it is likely that he will need some back up throughout the next season. Moreover, the player’s ability to play further forward on the left or in central midfield makes him very important to the Turin based squad.

The Stamford Bridge outfit are in need of a left-sided player to back up Eden Hazard as well as provide competition for Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back. Filipe Luis struggled to do this last season, and has now been linked with a swift return to Spain by Goal.com.

Meanwhile the Gunners could use Asamoah either in defence or as a back up for Alexis Sanchez. The Chile international played 49 games last time round, and manager Arsene Wenger is worried about him suffering from burnout after the Copa America, as the Daily Mail reported. At full-back Wenger currently has Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal but neither has made the role his own, so Asamoah could step in there.