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Michael Laudrup worried over Liverpool and Arsenal interest in Ashley Williams
SWANSEA captain Ashley Williams may have had his head turned by recent transfer speculation linking him with Arsenal and Liverpool, his manager Michael Laudrup has revealed.
The Swans captain recently helped the Welsh side lift the Capital One Cup after leading them to a resounding 5-0 victory over Bradford City, which led to rumours of interest from Premier League sides Liverpool and Arsenal.
An £8m summer switch to either the Emirates or Anfield has been mooted, and the 28-year-old is thought to have been seriously considering leaving the Liberty Stadium.
And Swansea manager Michael Laudrup - who recently committed his future to the club by signing a new contract - is worried that Williams could be set for a move away.
“When there are rumours about these clubs wanting someone from here, it is because the player has done well," said Laudrup.
“What can I do? I can’t call Arsenal and say, ‘Is it true?’ I don’t think Arsene Wenger would answer.
"We will have to live with these stories – it’s part of the game – but it means people have seen what we have done here."
Laudrup went on to praise his skipper for his performances this season, alongside fellow centre-back Chico Flores who is believed to be a target for Bayern Munich.
“Ashley has had a great season." continued Laudrup. "He and Chico [Flores] have been a great pair. They are doing great together and I will be unhappy to lose that pairing for next season.”