Arsenal are Eyeing a Move for Eintracht Frankfurt Defender Evan N'dicka

According to reports in Italy, Arsenal are targeting a move for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan N’dicka. The Gunners are looking to bring in another left-footed centre-back to compete with Gabriel for a spot in the starting XI and have identified the French-born defender as a potential option.

Evan N’dicka signed for Frankfurt from Auxerre in 2018. The towering centre-back had registered 12 games for the French outfit in the second division. At the age of 18, the U-21 French international then made 27 appearances in the Bundesliga under Adi Hütter.

Across the next 3 seasons, N’dicka recorded 100 appearances for the Eagles across all competitions (stats via transfermarkt). The defender was also a part of the side that won the UEFA Europa League last season. This season too, the 23-year-old has appeared in all 16 games that the Bundesliga side have played so far. He has looked comfortable as a left-back, or as an outside centre-back in a back-3 also.

The Frenchman will be a free agent in 2023 after his contract with the German club expires. With his contract due to expire in June of next year, the centre-back already has several suitors lining up for his services. As reported by Rome outlet Il Romanista (via TEAMtalk), Arsenal are looking to make a move for Evan N’dicka.

However, the Gunners will face stiff competition in their pursuit of the £29 million rated defender. Italian side AS Roma have been reported as an interested candidate, as well as a host of Premier League clubs. Even if the North London side try to prise away the Frenchman from Frankfurt in the upcoming winter transfer window, they may be able to land him at a bargain price.

Arsenal already have William Saliba, Gabriel, and Rob Holding as options for the central defense position. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu can also play in the centre-back position but have been preferred out wide instead this season.

However, Evan N’dicka offers a different profile to Mikel Arteta’s current options. Only Gabriel is naturally left-footed among the Spaniard’s current options. And the Brazilian has been a little error-prone in recent games. Gabriel’s assignment as the Gunners’ starting left centre-back currently remains unchallenged, and the induction of a player like Evan N’dicka could give Arsenal some much-needed depth in that role.

N’dicka is a strong defender, who can execute an aggressive game style very well. He is good in the air and an adept reader of the game too. The Frenchman is also a decent passer of the ball, which is a crucial requirement for any defender in Arteta’s system. Additionally, the 23-year-old can also function as a contingent left-back whenever necessary.

Should Arsenal sign Evan N’dicka? How could the Frenchman’s arrival affect the starting XI? Let us know in the comments.

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