Arsenal and Chelsea have been handed a huge boost towards signing Marcus Thuram. Borussia Monchengladbach have confirmed that the 25-year-old will leave once his contract expires in the summer.
He's been heavily linked with several clubs in the Premier League following his impressive performances for France at the World Cup in Qatar, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle. Monchengladbach were hopeful that Thuram would sign a new deal, but the forward has rejected various offers and will become a free agent at the end of the season.
"We were in open communication with both players and knew the current status," said Roland Virkus in an official club statement. "It's a shame that they won't be extending their expiring contracts, because we've both given a lot in terms of sport over the past four years.
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"It's always been part of our path over the past few years to bring in such talented players, to develop them further – and at some point let them go because we can't keep them forever," added the Monchengladbach sporting director. "Ideally, we'll get an attractive transfer fee with these transfers. Of course, it's not good that that's not the case now."
Daniel Farke, who spent four years in the dugout at Norwich City, said: "It's good to have clarity. The job for Marcus and Ramy is to give their all until their final minute and defend the Borussia shirt. If the fans see that, then they will give them a worthy send-off."
According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea were considering an 'official offer' for Thuram in January, but the Frenchman chose to stay at Monchengladbach until the end of the season. Despite interest from Arsenal and the Blues, he's already admitted that he dreams of playing for Barcelona.
"Every player has the dream of playing for Barca, that's a reality," said Thuram, speaking at the presentation of his book 'El Pensamiento Blanco' earlier this year. "But I don't know if there is interest or a contract. The important thing for Marcus is that he continues to improve to be better."
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