Post by gw on Jun 9, 2007 10:09:50 GMT -1
Middlesbrough have agreed a deal with Arsenal to sign French striker Jeremie Aliadiere in the wake of Mark Viduka's departure from the Riverside.
A move and fee has been agreed "in principle" and will be completed in the next couple of weeks when the 24-year-old returns from holiday.
"We tried to sign him in January but were thwarted by Arsenal's injuries," said chief executive Keith Lamb.
"He fits perfectly with the sort of player we are trying to bring in."
Aliadiere's arrival will help ease the disappointment of Viduka's exit.
The Australian rejected the offer of a new deal after his contract with Boro ran out and instead decided to join Newcastle.
Viduka's 19 goals helped Boro keep at arm's length from the relegation battle and the 31-year-old's main assets of being a powerful player are in contract to Aliadiere.
Lamb said: "He has pace and energy and he is young with his best years in front of him,"
The French forward has been with Arsenal since he was 16, had loan spells at West Ham, Celtic and Wolves.
Meanwhile, Lamb denied Boro are interested in bringing Chelsea defender Geremi back to the North East.
The Cameroon international spent a year on loan at the Riverside in 2002-03 and had suggested he might return.
A move and fee has been agreed "in principle" and will be completed in the next couple of weeks when the 24-year-old returns from holiday.
"We tried to sign him in January but were thwarted by Arsenal's injuries," said chief executive Keith Lamb.
"He fits perfectly with the sort of player we are trying to bring in."
Aliadiere's arrival will help ease the disappointment of Viduka's exit.
The Australian rejected the offer of a new deal after his contract with Boro ran out and instead decided to join Newcastle.
Viduka's 19 goals helped Boro keep at arm's length from the relegation battle and the 31-year-old's main assets of being a powerful player are in contract to Aliadiere.
Lamb said: "He has pace and energy and he is young with his best years in front of him,"
The French forward has been with Arsenal since he was 16, had loan spells at West Ham, Celtic and Wolves.
Meanwhile, Lamb denied Boro are interested in bringing Chelsea defender Geremi back to the North East.
The Cameroon international spent a year on loan at the Riverside in 2002-03 and had suggested he might return.
