Bayer Leverkusen have two key issues that may see the Bundesliga side struggle to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Thilo Kehrer, per RMC Sport, amid interest from Arsenal.
Bayer Leverkusen are currently in talks with PSG over a deal for Kehrer to move back to Germany. The centre-half is not against leaving le Parc des Princes this summer, having failed to hold down a regular starting role since joining from Schalke for £33m in 2018.
The arrivals of Sergio Ramos and Achraf Hakimi, plus the rise of 16-year-old El Chadaille Bitshiabu, has further indicated that his future lies elsewhere. But there are currently several obstacles blocking a move to Bayer Leverkusen for reported Arsenal target Kehrer.
Reports by Paris Fans claimed Arsenal bid €9m (£7.5m) to sign Kehrer from Paris Saint-Germain in May. But Mauricio Pochettino’s side want €25m (£21.5m) to sell the German this summer. A price RMC Sport now note is beyond Bayer Leverkusen’s available budget.
Gerardo Seoane’s BayArena natives cannot splash big in the market after missing out on Champions League football. Bayer Leverkusen’s financial situation also offers Arsenal a second key advantage, as they will struggle to match Kehrer’s £83,000-per-week wage, too.
Bayer Leverkusen have further difficulties rivalling Arsenal for Kehrer’s services, but the financial elements are the most concerning. Kicker also cited Die Werkself’s interest in the PSG defender, noting Seoane wants a versatile option to solve multiple needs.
Kehrer made 19 appearances across all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain last season at centre-half, plus 13 at right-back. It has been a similar split throughout his time in France, plus occasional minutes in a holding midfield role.
Arsenal hold two key advantages over Bayer Leverkusen for PSG defender Kehrer
RMC Sport noting Bayer Leverkusen have several obstacles in their path can help Arsenal to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Kehrer. The Gunners will have to considerably increase their offer if they are to seal a deal with Pochettino’s outfit, however.
But the Emirates Stadium natives are likely able to afford the Parisian powerhouse’s price more easily than Seoane’s outfit. They should be able to afford Kehrer’s wage, especially if they offload Sead Kolasinac. A £100k-p/w player the Express claim they only value at £6m.
Arsenal may also be buoyed by Kehrer’s willingness to leave PSG if they revive their so far failed summer pursuit. Thus offering boss Mikel Arteta another versatile option to bolster his backline, with Inter Milan in a constant pursuit of Hector Bellerin, per Calciomercato.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
