Cheikhou Kouyate is closing in on a move away (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal and Liverpool are both in talks with Anderlecht over a deal to sign defender Cheikhou Kouyate, his agent has revealed.

Kouyate, who was told he can leave Anderlecht last month, has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League.

And according to agent Saffet Balkan, that has moved a step closer, with Arsenal and Liverpool holding talks over a move for the defender.

‘I have been in talks with representatives from Liverpool and Arsenal over Cheikhou Kouyate,’ Balkan told Turkish-Football.com.


MORE: Top 10 possible imports during the January transfer window

Kouyate is a highly-rated centre back (Picture: Getty)

‘Arsenal are very interested in Kouyate. It’s very likely that he’ll be joining a Premier League club soon.’



Kouyate was believed to be close to joining Arsenal after impressing for Senegal at the London Olympics in 2012, but the move collapsed due to the player’s failure to get a work permit.

However, the 24-year-old has now gained a Belgian passport, allowing him to play in England.

A tall, strong and classy centre back, Kouyate can also play at right-back and in midfield.

MORE: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain trains hard ahead of Arsenal return