Arsenal are in the hunt to sign German defender Lukas Klostermann from RB Leipzig, according to Bild.
The German newspaper reports on their website that Arsenal boss Unai Emery has been keeping tabs on the 6’2″ (source: Transfermarkt) powerhouse recently, with the club aiming to bring another defender to the Emirates after the signing of the Greek international Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
AS Roma are also reportedly admirers of the versatile defender, and Arsenal will have to compete with them to land the man from Germany, with Arsenal said to be keen to have another defender on the books who has a similar style to retired fan favourite Per Mertesacker.
Good move for Arsenal?
Mertesacker was a hugely popular figure at the Emirates Stadium, providing a towering presence in the back four – and Arsenal believe that the 22-year-old can fit the bill.
With Klostermann comes a host of experience – the defender made 86 appearances in total for the side that finished 6th in the Bundesliga, 39 of them coming from the 2017/2018 campaign.
He would fit into an Arsenal back line that is relatively young as it is, being able to operate as both a right back and left back if need be.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
With AS Roma also said to be competing for the youngster’s signature, it appears that Arsenal may have a bidding war on their hands if the Serie A outfit maintains their interest.
However, Klostermann may favour a move to the Premier League over Italy, as it would be the perfect opportunity to make a showcase of himself – especially if he wants to eventually break into the German national side.
All Arsenal need to do now is ramp up their interest in the German ace, and hold firm to any other potential suitors.
This is Futbol rating: 7.5/10