Arsenal ‘on alert’ as Portugal global on verge of transfer request

Arsenal have been placed on red alert after reports emerged that Joao Moutinho wants to quit Monaco if they fail to reach the Champions League group stages.

They host the Spanish outfit at the Stade Louis II on Tuesday but if they get knocked out of the competition then Portuguese midfielder Moutinho will slap in a transfer request, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

Bellshaw claims Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is monitoring the situation, given the Gunners’ persistent links to the playmaker.

This is not necessarily a decision that the player will make, rather AS Monaco will have to cut down the wage bill if UCL participation funds are not secured. Simple as that. It is too big an advantage for clubs that didn’t work well during the transfer window.

Moutinho is a key figure for the French club and was their most creative player last season carving out 69 chances for his teammates. We expect, like you, but at the moment, we are not close. Cazorla’s statistics easily blew those of Moutinho out of the water. The Daily Star previously reported that Moutinho has a mutual interest in moving to England as opposed to joining Zenit St Petersburg or returning to Porto.

Joao Moutinho is a versatile midfielder and defender, and is desperate to play in the Champions League.