Arsenal have reportedly made initial contact with Freiburg over a potential summer deal for young centre-back Caglar Soyuncu.
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in the Bundesliga, having impressed with his strong presence in and around the box.
According to The Mail, the north London outfit have held initial discussions for the central defender after being recommended by head of recruitment Sven Mislintat.
As per the report, the Gunners’ scouts have kept an extended watch on the youngster through the campaign, and they were most-recently in attendance during Turkey’s international friendly against the Republic of Ireland where Soyuncu earned his 13th cap.
At 6 fee 2 inches, the Turkish defender has a strong aerial presence, but his ability to intercept balls higher up the field has particularly caught the eye of his suitors.
The 21-year-old is also comfortable with the possession at his feet, and this attribute has seen him dubbed the next Mats Hummels by the German press.
Arsenal are expected to reinforce the central defence which has underperformed on the road this term, and Soyuncu could be seen as a straight replacement for the retiring Per Mertesacker in the ranks, though winter signing Konstantinos Mavropanos may have a say.
One concern is, however, likely to lie on the transfer valuation with Freiburg said to want at least £30m to part ways with their defender.
Arsene Wenger was particularly reluctant to spend anything more than £8m on Jonny Evans last winter, and it will be interesting to see whether the club’s hierarchy would take such an expensive risk with Soyuncu, who is currently only in his debut Bundesliga campaign.
