Arsenal have initiated a fresh move to sign Romeo Ritter from Borussia Dortmund in the ongoing January transfer window. According to Sky Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg, the Gunners have phoned the Bundesliga giants to inquire about the center-back.
Arsenal have been decent and are the Premier League leaders, having registered 49 points from 21 games this term. They are also at the top of the UEFA Champions League standings, having registered 18 points from six games.
However, Mikel Arteta appears to be keen on strengthening the backline despite the Gunners' decent run this season. As a player on the Premier League leaders' radar, Ritter is a center-back who has proven to be brilliant for Borussia Dortmund's under-19s.
The 17-year-old is likewise a defensively sharp center-back with solid ball-carrying ability. He's also a versatile defender who can play on both sides of the center-back position.
Ritter's defensive strength and versatility also make him a good fit for Mikel Arteta's tactical set-up. Meanwhile, Arsenal has a decent record of allowing youngsters to shine.
Therefore, Ritter could become a top-rated defender if he joins the Gunners. Despite the transfer rumors, he remains contracted at Dortmund until June 2027, and AC Milan are also interested in signing him.
"They looked a bit frightened to grab that opportunity" - Roy Keane on Arsenal's draw against Liverpool
England v Andorra - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier - Source: Getty
England v Andorra - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier - Source: Getty
Premier League pundit Roy Keane has claimed that Arsenal were afraid to bury their chances and defeat Liverpool. The former Manchester United star went on to suggest that the Gunners' performance in the game indicated that they barely had a plan.
In an interview after the Gunners' 0-0 league draw against Liverpool on Thursday, January 9, Keane said (via Afcstuff on X):
"There was a bit of tension in the stadium. The performance was a bit tentative & that will be a worry for the manager. They looked a bit frightened to grab that opportunity, but you take the point & clean sheet."
Arsenal failed to widen the gap between them and Manchester City to eight points, following the draw against the Reds. However, they are still six points ahead of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners will face Nottingham Forest in their next Premier League game on Sunday, January 17.