Arteta could be left needing a defenderplaceholder image
Arteta could be left needing a defender | Getty Images
Arsenal are now said to be eyeing a defender in case they need to land one in the final days.
Arsenal could have a clear run at a reported centre-back target. The Gunners may not be done in the transfer market just yet, with the window set to close next Monday night. The Gunners have been busier than most this summer, splashing out more than £250million in a bid to end their Premier League title drought.
The Gunners are backing Mikel Arteta to the hilt, and while there are going to need to me more exits at some point to balance all this spending, there is no doubting that a superb squad has been built, and there will now be pressure on Arteta to deliver.
Though, more spending could to take place, but on the condition that there are more sales, and the prime candidates are defenders Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Both players are being tipped to move on, and in the case of Kiwior, it has been reported that FC Porto are returning with a fresh bid as they look to strengthen their back line.
Arsenal did sign promising defender Cristhian Mosquera, but there has been a sense that they need better competition for Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba to ensure those starters remain at the top of their game. One possible signing Arsenal could turn to to tick that box is Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, who has reportedly told the German club he wants out.
Interestingly, though, John Cross has reported that interest from Tottenham is wide of the mark and that there has been no approach to date. That could give Arsenal a clear run at the title-winning defender, albeit they would need to finalise sales first, meaning it would likely be a move very late in the window.
Hincapie was key to Xabi Alonso’s success at Leverkusen, helping the club win a league and cup double. Arsenal would likely have to pursue a loan deal with the option or obligation to buy, given they are likely flirting with danger with their spending and already relying on a handful of sales in the final days of the window.
This looks to be another one to keep an eye on in the final days of the transfer window.
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