Arsenal are ready to offer players in exchange in order to win the race for Queens Park Rangers forward Adel Taarabt, FootballDirectNews.com understands. A source close to the Emirates Stadium told FDN the Gunners have been pursuing the Moroccan for several months but, having so far hit a brick wall, are now ready to sacrifice some of their own stars and splash out a fee in an attempt to secure his services.
The club insider revealed the north London outfit are well aware of interest in the player from clubs dotted across Europe but believe they can come up with the right package to tempt both Taarabt and his club into getting the deal over the line.
Midfielder Mikel Arteta, who has only one year left on his contract, could be offered to Harry Redknapp’s side, as could defender Nacho Monreal. Scouts were impressed by the way in which the ex-Tottenham Hotspur attacker performed for Serie A giants AC Milan during a five-month loan stint at the end of the last campaign.
His high wages mean he is unlikely to remain at Loftus Road despite QPR’s promotion back to the Premier League in dramatic fashion last weekend, when they beat Derby County 1-0 in the Championship play-off final thanks to a last-minute goal. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants more options in the final third of the pitch and thinks Taarabt, who has two years remaining on his contract, can add extra quality to the squad.
