Senegal's M'Bengue on Arsenal radar
Ahmed Abd El Rasoul, Tuesday 21 Aug 2012
Cheikh M'Bengue hopeful of joining London club Arsenal despite having two years left on his contract with Toulouse in the French topflight


Toulouse left-back Cheikh M'Bengue is on the radar of English Premier League giants Arsenal, the Senegal international revealed on Monday.

"Arsenal's interest? To be honest I didn't expect it. When such a big club is thinking about you, it is great pleasure, but you are above all surprised," M'Bengue told France's top sports newspaper L'Equipe.

"It is really flattering. Moreover, the Premier League is the league where I would like to play," he added.

Being committed to the Ligue 1 side until 2014, the 24-year-old didn't discuss his future with Toulouse officials preferring to leave his agent handling the matter of the Gunners offer.

"My agent is managing that and I believe he had talks with Toulouse's chairman," explained M'Bengue.

"I didn't forecast I would be leaving, I have 2 years remaining on my contract, but it would be difficult to accept to be forced to stay.

"Indeed, I am a key part of the Toulouse squad. I have no agreement to leave or any clause on my contract.

"But you cannot refuse Arsenal, if everyone can benefit from it. I hope if there is an exciting proposition, the chairman won't block me.

"You also have to consider the player's interest. Arsenal would be great," concluded the ten-time international capped player.

M'Bengue's optimism about leaving the French club this summer could be ended by chairman Olivier Sadran, who said recently: "To me everything is very clear. The championship has started. No one else will leave now."

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