Arsenal are apparently not as cash strapped as the media is suggesting at present and they are currently said to be torn between two central defensive targets. Mikel Arteta has been linked with numerous players, so which central defender is likely to arrive at the Emirates and who isn’t ?
It’s been suggested that the Gunners won’t be investing in January but it depends on price and terms.
Dayot Upamecano is beginning to look like a deal that is destined for a summer window and would cost between £40/£53m. The RB Leipzig central defender was linked to a shock transfer to the Emirates during last summer, but the deal couldn’t materialise.
Unless Arsenal can claw substantial sums back from the sale of surplus players, they will close the enquiry. Of course Raul Sanllehi could structure a long term deal, but RB Leipzig will want the bulk in the form of an upfront cash payment to further their own transfer plans.
Upamecano’s chances of arrival:- 4/10
Slightly cheaper at £34m is Merih Demiral of Juventus and a deal could be struck that would suit Arsenal’s budget, but Leicester are already in discussions for the player’s services. Leicester are willing to spend big and Arsenal will not want to get involved in a bidding war.
Demiral’s chances of arrival :- 4/10
Nathan Ake was said to be favoured by Arsenal for around a transfer fee of £40m+ but it’s understood that former club Chelsea have a watertight option to buy and the Gunners may have to sweat it out until near the end of the window. Chelsea are insisting on updates but they appear to be secure with the players at their disposal.
Ake’s chances of arrival :- 5.5/10
Jerome Boateng of Bayern Munich is a deal that could be concluded quickly. It apparently doesn’t require a fee between the clubs, but the players representative will insist that his £190,000 per week wages are met. That might be an issue for a 31-year-old defender, who has only played 15 games this season.
Boateng chances of arrival:- 7/10
Daniele Rugani came within a whisker of joining the Gunners from Juventus last year but for some last minute issues. However, he would be someone that Arsenal would certainly like to bring to North London. At around £20/£22.5m, he would seem to be a very likely option as a central defender given the current market and it’s said that his resolve to fight for his place is disappearing fast.
Rugani’s chances of arrival:- 6/10
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Villarreal’s Pau Torres (22) is heavily fancied by Arteta but his fee could topple over £40m and Arsenal are still involved in repayments for their summer splash out. His acquisition would signal the beginning of a strong Spanish influence.
Torres chance of arrival:- 5/10
Pick your top two out of those above mentioned central defenders, but there are bound to be a few more names linked to the club in the days ahead.
