Arsenal are now racing Real Madrid and Bayern Munich for the signature of a "really exciting" Champions League player, who is likely to have a huge asking price.
Campbell suggests Arsenal need to sign new centre-back
With William Saliba and Gabriel spending time on the treatment table, Sol Campbell has now suggested it could be worth dipping into the transfer market to sign a new centre-back next month, saying: "Maybe an older centre-half who wants a six-month contract, something might happen at the back-end of January, or a loan that makes sense. Keep your options open."
The former defender also added: "Arsenal can lose two players elsewhere on the pitch but in defence, they miss Saliba and Gabriel's experience, knowledge and cool heads for the big moments."
The two defenders are set to return before 2026, but Cristhian Mosquera was recently sidelined for weeks due to an ankle issue, which means it may still be worth bringing in another centre-back, heading into a busy period.
Arsenal's William Saliba reacts with Gabriel Magalhaes
With the Gunners still competing on all fronts, they have 11 games penciled in before the end of January, so having squad depth is likely to be important, and they have now joined the race for a new defender.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Arsenal are now closely monitoring Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea also keen.
In fact, the Blues could be prepared to make a bid of €60m (£52m), with the Italian club set to hold out for a huge fee, as they view the 17-year-old as a 'future defensive leader', rather than a player to cash-in on in the near future.
The starlet is regarded as a 'potential cornerstone signing' by the Gunners, and there are plenty of indications he could go on to be a future star...
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The Rossoneri may give in and sell.
"Really exciting" Ahanor tipped to become "one of the best"
Journalist Bence Bocsak clearly rates the teenager very highly, having described him as a "really exciting" player, while former Italy international Aldo Serena believes the starlet is capable of reaching the very highest level.
Serena said: "I don’t usually bet, but I could make an exception for Ahanor. I feel confident saying that by the age of 20, he will be one of the best in the world in his position."
Since making his breakthrough at senior level, the Atalanta ace has regularly displayed his dribbling skills and ability to win back possession.
Honest Ahanor's key statistics Average per 90 (past year)
Tackles 2.20 (91st percentile)
Blocks 2.0 (98th percentile)
Progressive carries 1.05 (81st percentile)
Not only that, but the centre-back put in an impressive showing against Arsenal's rivals in the Champions League, with manager Raffaele Palladino saying: "He had a great game against Chelsea, and I really like his spirit: his boldness and his willingness to give 110% of every opportunity he gets."
Ahanor clearly has the talent to become a top defender, and it would be exciting if Arsenal were to launch a January move.