Arsenal reject Oboabona
APRIL 27, 2013
Oboabona
Arsenal have reportedly dropped their interest in Super Eagles defender Godfrey Oboabona as manager Arsene Wenger is not convince the Sunshine Stars player has what it takes to play at the top level.
Meanwhile, French Ligue 1 side Valencienes have made an official bid for the 22-year-old, who has been in top form in the domestic league.
Oboabona, who has also been linked with French sides Rennes and Lille since he won the South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, reportedly underwent a trial with Arsenal last month in a bid to win a contract with his boyhood club.
Reports during the week said Wenger wanted the versatile player to replace Switzerland ‘s Johan Djourou, who is on loan at German Bundesliga club Hannover 96.
According to Metro, the Gunners boss decided against offering Oboabona a deal, preferring to keep tabs on his progress by sending scouts to watch him at games in the Nigerian Professional Football League.
Sources said Arsenal fear they face a battle with the Home Office to secure a work permit for the player who has played 16 times for Nigeria to wrap up the transfer.
Newcastle are said to be interested in the Akure-born player, with the Magpies manager Alan Pardew ready to make a bid for the defender, who made his name after nullifying the threat from Didier Drogba when Nigeria and Ivory Coast clashed in the quarterfinal of South Africa 2013.
Oboabona, who has a £1m price tag on his head, has been on form for Sunshine Stars since the season began.
“The only team who have tabled a bid for Oboabona are Valencienes,” Sunshine Stars chief Mike Idoko was quoted as saying on Friday.
“We have their document and we are studying it. We haven’t got any contact from Newcastle over his services.”
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