Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill has insisted Arsenal have not made contact for midfielder Kieran Richardson, The Independent reports.
Arsenal have suffered a major injury crisis and are still without a recognised fullback available in their squad. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was looking into the possibility of bringing Richardson to the Emirates Stadium in January, but if so, he has yet to make any approach. The former West Ham United trainee could be interested in a move to Arsenal if the Gunners can make Champions League football and a deal may be more inclined to happen in the summer.
O’Neill said: ‘Arsenal have not been in touch with me, I don’t know anything about it. I asked the chief executive as well and she said no, there hasn’t been anybody in touch yet. But what I have said is that I would keep players informed about what is happening. Obviously, I don’t want to rush players to leave the football club’.
The Sunderland boss is looking to recruit in January to improve the squad and could see the sale of Richardson for around £8m as funds to help. Richardson trained with the Gunners as a kid and Arsenal are hoping to help him return to the side.
See what the expert tipsters at OLBG are tipping on Swansea v Arsenal
