Arsenal

Kolo Touré Can't Rule Out Arsenal Exit

Having fallen down the pecking order and subsequently linked with a move away from the Emirates, Kolo Touré can't guarantee that he won't leave Arsenal...

Nov 26, 2008 8:33:24 AM

EPL: Wayne Rooney - Kolo Toure, Manchester United - Arsenal (PA)

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EPL: Wayne Rooney - Kolo Toure, Manchester United - Arsenal (PA)

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Arsenal's focus has been on William Gallas of late, with Arsene Wenger stripping him of the captaincy for his unprofessionalism and replacing him with star midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Even before the storm, however, Kolo Touré has been linked with a move to mega-rich Manchester City, as the summer signing of Mikael Silvestre has complicated the first-team picture at the Emirates where the Ivorian is concerned.

Some are speculating that if Touré was really in Arsenal's plans then he'd have been handed the armband, as his influence in the heart of the defence and his age - a more experienced 27 - would have made him a more obvious candidate.

Ivory Coast star Touré arrived back from international duty earlier this season, though, and has fallen from grace, too, although not quite to the same extent as Gallas.

In any case, the player himself can't find the words to guarantee that he'll stay in north London.

Touré said: "I have injury problems and need to get back to fitness.

"I have nothing to say about the transfer links. Time will tell."

Perhaps Arsenal would be loathe to consider bids for the player until they see how Gallas reacts to his very public humiliation. Plus, his exit would surely kill off their chances of signing his brother Yaya from Barcelona.

Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com