Rumour: Arsenal line up move for ex-Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou

Salomon Kalou

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly lining up a summer move for Lille forward Salomon Kalou.

The 28-year-old, who enjoyed six years at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea, has been strongly linked with a return to the Premier League at the end of the season.

A host of English outfits are interested in his signature, including Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham.

Kalou even claimed that he turned down the opportunity to join the North Londoners in January as he was reluctant to leave Lille in the lurch half way through the campaign.

However, the Ivorian’s recent comments reveal that he has set his sights on the Premier League after this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

“There has been a lot of talking about me going back to England. I had an amazing time with Chelsea and I always keep that good memory with me.

“If I have the chance to go back, I would love to, because it’s the most exciting league in the world so I would like to try it again.

“Whatever team comes for me after the World Cup, I can decide where I can develop as a player, where I can have an impact, because it’s important to go to a team who suit me and who give me the opportunity to excel,” he insisted.

Kalou could be available for a paltry sum of just £2.5 million, which would suit the penny pinching approach of Wenger, who is in the market for another forward to add fire power to the Gunners front line as doubts continue to linger over the form and fitness of first choice striker Olivier Giroud.

Salomon Kalou has scored 11 goals in 30 appearances for Lille in Ligue 1 this season.