Arsenal step up interest in international centre-back

Walter Kannemann TEAMtalk

Arsenal are stepping up their interest in Argentina defender Walter Kannemann, according to a report.

The Gremio centre-back has a release clause of £17million, which the Brazilian club will hold out for, but the Gunners will try and get the 28-year-old for just £10.5million, claim Fox Sports Argentina.

Unai Emery will have to wheel and deal in the transfer market this summer with widespread reports suggesting he will have only £40million to spend, plus any cash he brings in via player sales.

And one man he could look to offload is German defender Shkodran Mustafi with Kannermann an obvious replacement.

Kannemann has been capped five times by Argentina and he has won the Copa Libertadores with both San Lorenzo and Gremio.

His first Argentina cap only came against Guatemala in September – his good performances being rewarded with an international debut.

Sampdoria are also chasing the former Atlas and San Lorenzo man Kannemann.