Arsenal, among other clubs, are eyeing one of Europe’s top-performing defenders as the summer transfer window approaches.
The 2023/24 season has been a standout one for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team. With less than two months left in the season, the Gunners are strongly positioned in the Premier League title contention and could reclaim the top spot this weekend.
A pivotal factor in Arsenal’s triumph this season has been their rock-solid defense, having only conceded 24 goals in 31 league matches so far. This defensive prowess is unmatched in the league and outshines the current Premier League champions, Manchester City, by an impressive eight goals.
While Arsenal are showcasing superb football this season, loyal Gunners supporters undoubtedly feel there’s room for improvement as the club aims to reclaim its position atop English football.
As such, Arsenal appear to have initiated preparations for a busy summer transfer window, with notable names linked to a move to the Emirates. Fabrizio Romano recently provided insight into Arsenal’s pursuit of Newcastle United’s £120,000-per-week talent, Alexander Isak.
“Alexander Isak is another Newcastle player attracting interest, and Arsenal have always appreciated him, even when he was at Real Sociedad. They’ve been scouting him for a while and he’s considered a really talented striker, and with the style they have I think he’s appreciated as a good fit for that style.”
In other news, reports indicate that Viktor Gyokeres has prioritised Arsenal as his preferred destination if he departs Sporting this summer. Additionally, there are claims from Spain suggesting Arsenal’s interest in AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
Although Arsenal appear focused on bolstering their forward line in the upcoming transfer window, recent reports indicate that Arteta is also keen on reinforcing their already sturdy defense.
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According to FootballTransfers, Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo has garnered admiration from Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window.
Grimaldo, described as “very intelligent” by Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes, remains contracted with the undefeated German team until 2027.
His current market value stands at €45m, as per Transfermarkt, although FootballTransfers notes that the precise asking price for the 28-year-old has not been disclosed.
Judging by his recent performances, any potential suitors, including Arsenal, might face a substantial fee for the former Benfica player.
Grimaldo has predominantly operated on the left side of a back-five formation for his current club throughout the 2023/24 season. Over this period, he has contributed significantly with 11 goals and 15 assists in 41 appearances across various competitions.
In contrast, Arsenal’s current choices for the left-back position fall short in comparison. Oleksandr Zinchenko has managed only one goal and two assists in 32 matches this season, while Jakub Kiwior has provided one goal and three assists when deployed on the left side of Arsenal’s back-four. This situation sets the stage for an intriguing storyline to unfold in the upcoming months.