Arsenal are reportedly pushing to make their first January signingplaceholder image
Arsenal are reportedly pushing to make their first January signing | Getty Images
Arsenal are looking to enhance their defensive options by signing a rising star in January
Premier League leaders Arsenal have reportedly held talks with Borussia Dortmund over a potential deal to sign their highly-rated young central defender Roméo Ritter in the January window.
Ritter is still in the early years of his football career. He turns 18 in March and is still at this stage waiting for his senior breakthrough. However, despite being yet to make his professional debut, he's already attracting major interest due to his stellar performances in the club’s Under-19 and Under-17 teams while also gaining vital experience at UEFA Youth League level.
Dortmund are renowned for producing top talent from their academy. In years gone by the like of Marco Reus, Mario Götze**,** Marcel Schmelzer, Christian Pulisic, Jamie Gittens and Antonio Rüdiger among others have all had spells in the highly esteemed academy before forging successful careers in the sport. Ritter could become the latest to follow a similar trajectory and is being earmarked as one to watch by a number of top scouts.
Roméo Ritter to Arsenal latest
Sky Germany reporter Plettenberg understands Ritter faces an uncertain future in Germany after both Arsenal and AC Milan made phone enquiries about trying to sign the player in January.
Plettenberg explained on X: "AC Milan and Arsenal have made phone enquiries about Roméo Ritter and are monitoring his situation. The 17 y/o talented left-footed centre-back is dreaming of making his breakthrough at Borussia Dortmund. He is under contract until 2027. However, it is still unclear whether he will extend his deal or not."
Why Arsenal are interested in signing Roméo Ritter in January
Arsenal boast one of the strongest backlines in English football already. William Saliba and Gabriel have long been considered one of the division’s most solid centre-back pairing while the likes of Piero Hincapie and Cristhina Mosquera ensure there is ample cover for any injuries to the main pair. Full-backs Jurrien Timber and Ben White are all tried and tested in central areas if any further setbacks were to occur.
Arteta’s defensive record has been a foundation for their recent success and is central to the fact they currently sit at the summit. However, the view from the hierarchy is that they are keen to ensure that remains the case in the next decade and beyond.
Ritter is a left-footed central defender that’s renowned for being comfortable on the ball and has the ability to play either side of the defence. According to Transfermarkt, he’s played 22 matches at Under-17 level for Dortmund and a further at Under-19 level. He’s also capable of playing as a left-back when needed as well and has been used there on three occasions this term.
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