Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
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Gunners reject Eboue offer

23 Jan 2009 - 08:25:34

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Atletico Madrid have failed with an audacious bid to sign Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue.

The 25-year-old Ivory Coast international's agent, Franjo Vranjkovic, was approached by the Spanish side, who then forwarded the offer to the Gunners.

However, Arsene Wenger was quick to turn down the bid and has even told Eboue he wants to offer him a new contract.

"We received an official request from Atletico Madrid which was passed to Arsenal," said Vranjkovic.

"I have the fax from director Ken Friar who wrote to me to say they are not interested in the offer.

"Then I received a call from Arsene Wenger, who invited me to go to England to start negotiations over a renewal. I see no possibility that the player will leave Arsenal."

Eboue started his career at ASEC Abidjan's famous youth academy, before using Belgian side Beveren as a springboard to secure a move to Arsenal in January 2005.

He has gone on to make more than 100 starts for the Gunners.