Gunners target praises Arsene

Gourcuff delighted with Wenger interest

By Zain Alvi | 3rd October 2011

Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff is in strong disagreement with those who want Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to leave the club as he has hailed the Frenchman as one of the best managers in the world.

The Gunners suffered a massive setback after their 2-1 defeat in yesterday’s North London derby left them 12 points adrift of the Barclays Premier League summit and along with below par defending, the club’s playmaking abilities were also brought into question.

Despite signing Mikel Arteta from Everton on the transfer deadline day, Wenger has been criticized for his failure to adequately replace former skipper Cesc Fabregas. However, Gourcuff, who was one of Arsenal’s premier targets to fill that void this summer, has nothing but praise to lavish at the man who has been at the club’s helm of affairs for 15 years.

“I am flattered by the interest shown (in me) by Arsene Wenger. He is one of the top coaches in the world. He loves technical players so I am very, very happy to know that he was interested in me,” Gourcuff said as he recovers from an ankle surgery performed over the summer.

The 25-year old Gourcuff arrived at Lyon in a €22 million deal struck with Bordeaux last summer but continuing fitness issues have prevented him from reaching full potential at his current club.

Nevertheless, the player remains committed to staying in the French Ligue 1 for now and joining him in doing so today was highly rated goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Lloris, another player linked with Arsenal in the past, has signed an extension to remain at Stade de Gerland till 2015.