Rumour: Arsenal target wants out of current team

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen left Dimitar Berbatov out of his squad of 18 for their FA Cup third round clash with Norwich to further fuel rumours that the striker will be on his way in this month’s transfer window, report The Metro.

The Bulgarian has reportedly instructed his agent to get him out of Craven Cottage with league leaders Arsenal heavily linked with him and ensuring he does not become cup-tied for the competition has given more credence to the idea that he could leave Fulham by the end of the month.

Fulham secured a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road to claim a replay at home in ten days time, with Berbatov’s replacement Darren Bent getting himself on the scoresheet, but all talk lingered around the absence of the mercurial forward, despite it being one of many changes to the Cottagers line-up.

With no room on the bench for Berbatov either it seemed that an agreement has taken place between player and club to ensure he is not cup-tied for further rounds should a move materialise and this will only fuel the rumour that he could be on his way to Arsenal, despite Gunners boss Arsene Wenger having distanced himself from such a move earlier this week.

Berbatov was signed from Manchester United for £4million two years ago and it is believed he could be available for a cut-price £2m in January, a tempting price for any team looking to beef up their striking options.

What does Berbatov offer potential suitors?

Despite only netting four times this season in a dismal Fulham side, Berbatov still has a reasonable conversion rate of 14.8%, while he is Fulham’s top chance creator as well as goalscorer, having carved out 19 chances for teammates.