Arsenal
Premier League • England
Arsenal courting explosive Germany international who’ll solve the only issue plaguing Arteta
Arsenal are in the mix with RB Leipzig and Villarreal over the potential signing of a Germany international who’d provide Mikel Arteta with something he doesn’t have, per a report.
The Gunners have quietly set about constructing one of the most complete squads in the Premier League over recent seasons.
Edu and Arteta have worked wonders at the Emirates, and their January window was a perfect snapshot of Arsenal acting decisively to address positions of need.
Indeed, a back-up to Gabriel Magalhaes, central midfield depth and another explosive option in the forward line were all sought.
To that end, Arsenal signed Jakub Kiwior, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard. The latter deal in particular is already looking like something of a masterstroke with Trossard capable of playing a variety of positions all to an extremely high level.
However, despite being on course for their first league title since 2004, one area in Arteta’s squad is lacking.
Arsenal lack an attack-minded option at right-back, with Arteta’s first choice in the position a natural centre-half in Ben White.
White’s deputy is Takehiro Tomiyasu who was previously a centre-back at Bologna. Both White and Tomiyasu are fine players in their own right, though lack the offensive potency of a Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold or Kieran Trippier, for example.
However, according to German publication BILD, Arsenal could remedy that problem at season’s end.
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Arsenal smitten with raiding right-back
Via Sport Witness, it’s revealed the Gunners are sizing up Wolfsburg and Germany international, Ridle Baku.
The 24-year-old plays primarily at right-back, though is also capable of operating in more advanced roles on the right flank.
Baku has notched five goals in just 26 matches for Wolfsburg this term. His combined goals and assists tally in 105 outings for the club stands at an impressive 30.
The report states Baku is ‘being watched’ by Arsenal, though they aren’t alone in that regard. Many clubs like what they’ve seen from the Wolfsburg man and two in particular are mentioned – RB Leipzig and Villarreal.
It’s unknown at this stage whether Wolfsburg would be willing to cash in on their right-back this summer. However, Arsenal are considering asking the question and are smitten with the offensive impact and dynamism he’d bring to the right side of their backline.
Another tick in Baku’s column is the fact he has a spotless injury record. Indeed, he’s featured in 92 of his last 92 possible matches at club level, with 82 of them starts.
A curiously modest €13m price tag is cited, though it’s acknowledged this could merely serve as a starting point.
If multiple sides table bids, Baku will move for much more.