Arsenal are looking to bolster their defense with the signing of two young central defenders: Matthias Ginter and Jason Denayer, The Sun reports.
Signing defensive reinforcements has been a target for Wenger this transfer window, with Arsenal being linked earlier in the summer with moves for Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels, who ultimately decided to sign with Bayern Munich, as well as a return to the Emirates for former captain Thomas Vermaelen from Barcelona.
As the above transfer moves have failed to materialize, Wenger has now reportedly turned his eye to this young defensive duo. The report in the Sun further states that the pair would cost between £10m and £12m each.
Ginter, a 22-year-old German international who plays for Borussia Dortmund is reportedly up for sale with Wolfsburg also being linked with a move for him. Ginter, primarily a centre-back, is a versatile defender who can also fill in at right back as well as defensive midfield.
Though initially scouted as a potential long-term replacement for Per Mertesacker, who turns 32 this September, he could also have a role to play this season keeping in mind the erratic form of Mertesacker and Gabriel last season or as cover for Hector Bellarin at right-back, with Debuchy being linked with a move to Hull City.
Denayer, the 21-year-old Belgian international who is a (rare) product of the Manchester City youth academy, is another central defender Arsene Wenger has been interested in for some time, with Arsenal reportedly having made a failed £5m bid for him last summer.
However, Arsenal may now have the opportunity to sign him. Denayer, yet to make his debut for Manchester City, stands behind Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, and Eliaquim Mangala in the pecking order at City and is looking for a move away from the club in search of first-team football.
For me, the question still remains whether these young, relatively unproven defenders (if signed) would be able to make an impact at Arsenal this season. Hopefully, Arsene and the Arsenal scouts know better.
