Arsenal missed out on Nico Schlotterbeck as they wanted to sign the defender from Freiburg before he ended up joining Borussia Dortmund.
Arsenal were quiet in January – at least in terms of incomings – and must now ramp up their recruitment this summer.
Edu and Mikel Arteta needs reinforcements in a number of positions with a new midfielder and two new strikers wanted.
Another centre back may even be an option for Arsenal, especially if it’s a left-footed centre back to offer cover for Gabriel Magalhaes.
Pablo Mari had been serving that role but could be sold after his loan spell at Udinese.
It seems that Arsenal had visions of making such a signing in January, but couldn’t land Schlotterbeck.
Arsenal missed out on Nico Schlotterbeck
The Athletic claim that Arsenal were chasing a defender in January to fill the void left by Mari.
It’s stated that Arsenal chased a move for Schlotterbeck but were told that he wanted to stay in Germany.
Arsenal seemingly backed away from a move, realising that their chances of signing Schlotterbeck were slim.
Schlotterbeck at least backed up his word as he completed a move to Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.
Dortmund paid around £21million to sign Schlotterbeck, who has become one of German football’s top young defenders.
The 22-year-old is an elegant yet physical centre back standing at 6ft 3in tall and his performances have frustrated Bundesliga attackers all season.
Now a German international, Schlotterbeck has been hailed as a ‘very good player’ by Arsenal youth coach Per Mertesacker.
Yet Mertesacker also accused Schlotterbeck of ‘arrogance’ having given away a cheap penalty against Israel.
Arsenal surely asked for Mertesacker’s opinion on one of German football’s top defenders but a transfer just wasn’t meant to be; it’s now back top the drawing board for a new defender this summer.
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