Arsenal have been told that they must stump up at least £48.7million if they want to sign Sampdoria duo Joachim Andersen and Dennis Praet, according to Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schria.
An earlier report from the journalist claimed that the Gunners were preparing a new bid for the duo after a £37.2million offer for the players was rejected.
In a new tweet on his personal Twitter account on Monday, Schria said that Arsenal must be prepared to pay at least £48.7million if they want to prise the pair away from the Serie A club.
The journalist added that talks between both clubs are ongoing.
#Sampdoria have answered to #Arsenal that want €55M at least for Joaquim #Andersen (value €30M) and Dennis #Praet (value €25M). Contacts ongoing. #transfers #AFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) June 10, 2019
OPINION
If Schria’s latest report is true, perhaps moves for these players would now be a step too far. A fee of £37.2million could be just about justified, but the reported news that Arsenal are going to have to pay close to £50million to secure both players surely means that Emery will pull the plug on these talks. Andersen – a central defender – was a consistent and solid performer for Sampdoria last term, and appeared in 32 Serie A games. As for Praet, the central midfielder made two further league appearances than his teammate but did not add much going forward, only chipping in with two goals and three assists in those games. Yes, Arsenal need reinforcements at the back and in midfield – where they could do with a replacement for Aaron Ramsey – but these mooted transfer figures are getting way out of hand now and Arsenal should forget about pursuing this duo.