Liverpool hijack Arsenal strike target to the tune of £12m
Arsenal target Keisuke Honda would favour a move to Anfield
By Paul Bailey March 09, 2011
Highly rated CSKA Moscow striker Keisuke Honda has been frequently linked with a move to England, after the player himself recently expressed his desire to move to Europe sooner rather than later.
Arsenal have been linked with a summer approach for the 24-year-old Japanese international, with Arsene Wenger a known admirer of the stunning striker, after comments made by the Gunners boss during last summers World Cup.
Speaking to Eurosport, Wenger mooted, "When they [Japan] get the ball they can give it to Honda - and the magic starts.
"When they get that genius Honda playing up front, he has shown what a top class player he is. For me he's the best performer of the competition so far."
Liverpool have since emerged as leading contenders for the players signature as the Reds boss Kenny Dalglish looks to increase his attacking options at Anfield in the summer.
Having already spent in excess of £50million on January acquisitions Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, Liverpool owners NESV look set to continue the spending in a bid to return the Anfield club to their former glories.
CSKA Moscow president Yevgeni Giner has been quoted in the Russian press saying that none of Hondas potential suitors have yet made a concrete offer.
"Up until now we have not received any formal offers for Honda. I know what is appearing in the press but we do not have any proposals on the table," he said as reported by talkSPORT.
"Our intention is to continue with the player in our team for next season."
Despite Giners refusal to accept the player will leave, the club has issued a £12milion valuation for their star man.
While the price may rule Honda out of a move to the Emirates Stadium, after Arsenal were earmarked as initial frontrunners, it is unlikely to deter the likes of Liverpool who will also be buoyed by the fact the players agent said it would be great if his client could secure a switch to Anfield.