Arsenal are now reportedly interested in Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji, with Manchester United also in the race for the Swiss international.
According to Sport Bild, the north London side have entered the competition for the 26-year-old, with Akanji looking increasingly likely to leave Dortmund this summer with the club already signing two new defenders.
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Both Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck will join the Bundesliga giants in the summer, and the two confirmed transfers could see Akanji depart Dortmund, with Arsenal reportedly interested in the former FC Basel star.
The north London side aren’t alone, though, in their pursuit of Akanji, with United being linked with the Bundesliga superstar for some time and looking the most likely side to make a move for the defender.
A regular for Dortmund since 2018, Akanji has had a mixed spell with the German giants, with some performances and patches of form being less than desired for the Bundesliga side.
Yet that seemingly hasn’t put off the likes of Arsenal, who are now interested in Akanji ahead of the summer window, with the Gunners potentially looking to add to the centre-back position.
Arsenal’s interest in United target Akanji is an odd development
Central defence is one of Arsenal’s strongest positions, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White forming a solid partnership this season with Rob Holding providing excellent cover and William Saliba set to return in the summer.
Whilst Akanji is a good defender, with former Liverpool favourite Stephane Henchoz labelling the Swiss star as ‘outstanding’, Arsenal’s interest in the centre-back is odd given how strong Arteta’s squad is in that position.
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