Beveren confirm Arsenal interest
EXCLUSIVE
Beveren have confirmed to Skysports.com that Arsenal are continuing talks with them over youngster Gnegneri 'Yaya' Toure.
The younger brother of Arsenal's Kolo has been tracked by a host of European sides for some time and especially by The Gunners who are keen to have him on board and invited the African to a pre-season training camp in Austria.
The two sides have special ties, with Highbury boss Arsene Wenger a close friend of Beveren director of football Jean Marc Guillou.
Several Gunners have enjoyed loan spells with the Jupiler League outfit, among them Igors Stepanovs, Graham Stack and John Halls.
Beveren director Regis Laguesse confirmed that the clubs are in talks about a transfer for Yaya, but confirmed that a stumbling block exists because the Ivory Coast international has problems obtaining a work permit.
Had the Ivorians qualified for the African Cup of Nations next year, Toure's chances would possibly have been aided, with the African country moving up to 70th in Fifa's world rankings.
"No deal with Arsenal is definite at this time but, yes, we are in negotiations," Laguesse confirmed to Skysports.com.
"There is a problem about a transfer to Arsenal because he has not played as many international matches like his brother has.
"Because he is a young player, only 20-years-old, there is a problem getting him paperwork."
Reports in Belgium had suggested that a Russian and Italian club, believed to be Udinese, had lodged official bids with the club for Toure's services, and although Laguesse refused to comment on which clubs were involved, he conceded the North London outfit were not alone in their admiration for the player.
"We are in discussions with a number of clubs," confirmed Laguesse.
"There are a few teams, some from Italy, France, Germany but I will not be unprofessional and give their names."
With Arsenal thought to be the favourites given their bargaining tool of having Toure senior already on the books, Laguesse added that The Gunners are happy to bide their time to land their man.
"Like I said, we are in discussions with Arsenal and have been for a long time," he added.
"Because of his paper problems (work permit), they want him to wait until everything is in place."
