Arsenal
Premier League • England
Arsenal to get their own Josko Gvardiol with Edu in ‘talks’ over versatile RB Leipzig star
Benjamin Henrichs chases Rami Bensebaini during RB Leipzig vs Gladbach
Arsenal could follow the transfer route taken by Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City by signing an RB Leipzig star this summer, according to reports.
Chelsea have captured forward Christopher Nkunku from the German club in a £52million deal. And he was soon followed to the Premier League by attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who joined Liverpool for £60.1m on Sunday.
Centre-back Josko Gvardiol will likely come up against his former team-mates next season as he is close to joining treble winners City. After agreeing personal terms with Gvardiol, City then turned their attention to finalising a deal with Leipzig.
And as per The Telegraph, Pep Guardiola’s side are now ‘set to sign’ Gvardiol after striking an £86m agreement for his services.
Arsenal have seen the impressive transfers being completed by their English rivals and seemingly want a piece of the action. According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, they could get their own Leipzig star by landing 10-cap Germany international Benjamin Henrichs.
He has been on Leipzig’s books since July 2021, when he joined for €15m from Monaco. Since then, Henrichs has impressed in the Bundesliga thanks to his versatility. Indeed, last season he played as a right-back, left-back and central midfielder.
Plettenberg reveals that Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has a ‘very good opinion’ about Henrichs and the club are therefore ‘considering him’ as a backup right-back signing to Jurrien Timber.
The Ajax star is expected to become an Arsenal player this week, but if his move falls through, Henrichs will be pursed to take his place.
Arsenal in contact with RB Leipzig star
Arsenal sporting director Edu has already held ‘talks’ with the 26-year-old’s agent, and it seems those discussions were promising.
Henrichs’ versatility means he would be able to deputise in several positions, giving Arteta an extra option in case Arsenal have an injury crisis next term. Henrichs could also prove useful as Arsenal prepare for their return to the Champions League.
But, as previously stated, Arsenal are likely to sign Timber in the coming days. And it remains to be seen whether they have the money to pay for Henrichs as well.
After all, the North London side have already paid Chelsea £65m for forward Kai Havertz, while they also remain in discussions with West Ham over the £105m signing of midfielder Declan Rice.