Arsenal are looking at bringing in Swiss center back Manuel Akanji who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, according to reports in German outlet Fussball Transfers.
The report states that the North London club held proper talks with Dortmund regarding the player last year. However, one of the reasons that prevented a move was the fact that the German club ended up selling fellow center back Abdou Diallo to PSG.
As a result of this, Dortmund decided to keep hold of Akanji. The defender has gone to become an important member of the team, having appeared in 24 of the 26 Bundesliga matched.
Fussball Transfers further claims that although Arsenal held talks during the reign of Unai Emery, it is said that current manager Mikel Arteta is also interested in the player and the Gunners began talks in January. Dortmund would demand around £25m(via Sun) for Akanji.
The Swiss youngster is excellent in the air and is a good passer as well. And with senior defenders such as Sokratis and David Luiz getting on in terms of age, it would be the right time to bring in someone of the caliber of Akanji.
The center-back will turn 25 soon and would be entering the prime of his career, so Arsenal would do well to lure him to the Emirates. And if Arteta is serious about getting his man, the Gunners will have to pay a hefty fee.
Another factor that could play a role in this transfer is the potential permanent signing of Pablo Mari who is currently on loan at the club. Perhaps if other defenders were to leave, it would leave the door open for Arsenal to sign Akanji.
He would add a lot of quality to the club’s defense as he has already impressed in both the Bundesliga as well as the Champions League.
With football on a break right now due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the Gunners board will have time to figure out what they should do.
