Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Arsenal: Arsene Wenger not looking to sign PSG striker 'at the moment'

The Swede is apparently keen on a move to London

Simon Rice @simonrice

Friday 18 March 2016 12:31

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

(GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal and not looking to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic "at the moment", says Arsene Wenger.

The PSG striker has hinted at a switch to the Premier League this summer and speculation that it could be with Arsenal intensified amid reports that Ibrahimovic's preference is to live in London.

Arsenal manager Wenger was asked about the speculation today, ahead of his side's Premier League match with Everton, in which he played down talk that Arsenal were making a move - however he failed to rule it out.

"Look, at the moment, no," Wenger said when asked if there was interest.

"We are not on that case. We have other worries at the moment. It's short-term. We are not on Zlatan's case. Even at 34, he's had a great season at PSG.

"At the moment you can understand my priority ahead of Everton is not the transfer market on signings next season.

"I'm just surprised by the name you've thrown at me. We're not thinking of signing anybody at the moment."

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

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1/22Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Barcelona: Ter Stegen 6 out of 10

For 80 minutes Ter Stegen had little to do despite Arsenal’s goal. But then he made an impressive double save from Sanchez and Giroud denied the visitors the equaliser they deserved.

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Alves 6 out of 10

A sumptuous cross for Suarez’s goal capped yet another quietly excellent game for Alves, who dealt well with the impressive Iwobi and Ozil.

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Mascherano 6 out of 10

At times seemed to struggle with the direct running in behind of Arsenal’s attack but made a potentially decisive block on Welbeck with the visitors chasing their second.

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Mathieu 5 out of 10

Could have been punished on more than one occasion for some sloppy defending. A more incisive attack than Arsenal’s would have made him pay.

2016 Getty Images

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Alba 7 out of 10

An under-rated star of this Barcelona side, he helped the hosts apply real pressure down the left flank, bombing forward and providing a series of superlative passes for Neymar and company.

2016 Getty Images

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Rakitic 7 out of 10

Once more Rakitic was quietly impressive, winning the ball back with a string of interceptions and tackles to add to his sumptuous passing.

2016 Getty Images

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Busquets 6 out of 10

Not at his very best in defence, too often bypassed by Arsenal’s midfield runners, he still controlled Barcelona’s tempo in the attack, providing outballs for attackers and recycling possession.

2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Iniesta 7 out of 10

When Arsenal equalised Iniesta took control of the Barcelona side, calming nerves in the Barcelona side by dictating possession. It was typical of a mature display from the captain.

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Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Messi 7 out of 10

For all the efforts of his team-mates to lay a goal on a plate for him, Messi struggled against his Copa America foe Ospina until a fabulous late chip.

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Suarez 8 out of 10

Varied his position intelligently to drag Arsenal’s backline out of position, playing more of a creative role than that of a No.9. It worked, with Sanchez providing Neymar’s assist before his own moment of magic.

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Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Neymar 8 out of 10

A clinical finish to nab the opener was no less than had been expected of Neymar, who was a joy to watch throughout the match, providing a string of fabulous passes for team-mates.

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Arsenal: Ospina 7 out of 10

Did his fair share in ensuring Arsenal stayed in the tie with a fantastic save from Messi moments before an opener he could do nothing about. Continued to make key saves throughout.

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Bellerin 6 out of 10

As is so often the case in big European nights Bellerin struggled mightily early on but came roaring back under pressure, refusing to be bowed by Neymar and continually springing forward.

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Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Gabriel 7 out of 10

A really impressive display from one of Arsenal’s worst players in recent weeks, he threw himself in when required but also showed the composure and authority that he has been lacking of late.

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Koscielny 5 out of 10

Culpable for the goal that effectively ended the tie, losing the ball bringing it out of defence. It was a cardinal error and it left his team-mates high and dry after an impressive start.

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Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Monreal 5 out of 10

With Alba outstanding at the other side Monreal’s indifferent delivery and lack of pace were only shone in a more unfavourable light in a very poor game for the full-back.

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Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Elneny 7 out of 10

Another encouraging display for the midfielder, capped by a stylish first goal in an Arsenal shirt. Strong enough in the tackle he certainly looks decent backup for when Santi Cazorla returns.

2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Flamini 5 out of 10

Spent 45 minutes proving social media right with a performance of exceptional indifference, with his only major contribution being a needless yellow card.

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Sanchez 6 out of 10

Raised his game up to his usual standards after his recent woes but remains too rusty in front of goal. He impressed as a provider though, laying on Elneny’s goal.

2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Ozil 6 out of 10

Was left bemoaning the profligacy of his team-mates in a first half where he provided the chances for Arsenal to bust the tie back open.

2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Iwobi 6 out of 10

Was not overawed by the occasion with all eyes on him and his cutting infield gave Alves plenty to worry about. How Wenger would have wished he didn’t trip himself up in the area when through on goal though.

Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Welbeck 5 out of 10

At times Welbeck looks like he’s playing on ice and is far too nervy with the ball at his feet. It cost Arsenal dearly, he should have scored one of the two chances he had when one-on-one with Mascherano.

2016 Getty Images

34-year-old Ibrahimovic, who struck a nine-minute hat-trick in PSG's championship-clinching 9-0 win over Troyes last weekend, has never played in the Premier League.

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