Arteta revisits former Arsenal target after learning of price drop, exit links

Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing Besiktas centre-back Domagoj Vida to bolster their defensive options, according to reports.

The 31-year-old starred for Croatia in their run to the 2018 World Cup final and he was heavily linked with a move to The Emirates that summer.

Six months earlier, Vida had moved to Besiktas from Dynamo Kyiv and after his performances on the international stage he was valued at around £10.8million.

And while he has continued to be a regular for his country and for Besiktas – missing only one league game this term – Turkish newspaper Aksam (via the Daily Express) claims that his price has dropped this term.

Vida will reportedly be available for as little as £6million this summer, which has alerted the attention of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, as well as West Brom – who are managed by former Croatia coach Slaven Bilic.

Indeed, Vida is Besiktas’ highest earner and the report claims that, due to the uncertain financial climate surrounding football, he could be sold to keep costs down.

Arsenal will be in a similar position, with payment still owed to Lille for the deal that brought Nicolas Pepe to north London last summer.

The Gunners – like the vast majority of clubs – are expected to cut down on spending, meaning swap deals or loans could become more commonplace.

Arsenal are well-stocked for defenders – with Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and David Luiz as options.

However, Sokratis and Mustafi have both been linked with a move away, amid the impending arrival of Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba, who was loaned back to the French club after signing last summer.

Elsewhere, Arsenal signed Flamengo centre-back Pablo Mari on loan in January and his deal is expected to be made permanent for up to £13.5million.

In other news, Arsenal-linked striker Jonathan David has warned that it is too soon for him to think about moving to the Premier League.

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