Arsenal join race to sign £47m Stuttgart defender
Arsenal are monitoring Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch as Mikel Arteta considers adding defensive cover following William Saliba’s back injury.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also reported to be interested in the 20-year-old.
According to FussballDaten, Stuttgart could demand between €50million and €55million, approximately £43million to £47million, before considering a sale. Arsenal have not submitted an offer or opened formal negotiations. CaughtOffside has also reported the Gunners’ interest.
Why Arsenal could move for Finn Jeltsch
Arsenal’s defensive search has taken on greater importance after Saliba suffered a back injury while representing France at the World Cup.
The club have confirmed that Saliba will require a period of rehabilitation, although surgery is not necessary. Arsenal have described his expected absence as extended rather than providing a possible return date.
John Stones had been considered after leaving Manchester City, but the England defender is expected to join Inter Milan. Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Como defender Jacobo Ramon have also been linked.
ReadArsenal reported on Tuesday that Ramon has been added to Arteta’s shortlist. Jeltsch would represent another young, possession-focused option who could provide immediate cover and develop alongside Arsenal’s established defenders.
Jeltsch joined Stuttgart from Nuremberg in February 2025 and is under contract until June 2030. He made 37 appearances last season, including 23 in the Bundesliga and 10 in the Europa League.
The Germany Under-21 international has also been nominated for the 2026 Golden Boy award. Stuttgart’s long-term contract and reported valuation leave them in a strong negotiating position.
Arsenal are assessing several defenders, and there is currently no indication that Jeltsch has moved ahead of the other candidates.
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