Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Sutalo has played down reports suggesting he could join Premier League challengers Arsenal in an £18 million deal this summer.
While Mikel Arteta can field a starting XI capable of going head-to-head with most teams in Europe, a lack of high-quality depth appears to have cost the Gunners their first domestic title in 20 years.
The drop-off from Arsenal’s first-team regulars to their back-ups – Rob Holding and Eddie Nketiah, for instance – has been exposed rather brutally at times.
So, like in January when Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior arrived from Brighton and Spezia respectively, Arsenal’s summer plans are likely to revolve around bringing in players capable of transforming an excellent starting XI into an excellent squad.
Sutalo could be to William Saliba what Kiwior is to Gabriel Magalhaes; providing serious, high-level competition for the right-sided centre-half role in Arteta’s backline.
Arsenal like Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Sutalo
The Standard back up reports coming out of Croatia, claiming that Arsenal are keeping a very close eye on the £18 million-rated Croatia international.
But Sutalo, while acknowledging that Dinamo do have a habit of selling their most prized assets, is clearly in no mood to rush things.
“In general, I am of the opinion that we should go step by step. For a young player, the most important thing is to play,” the 23-year-old tells Sportske Novosti.
“An excellent example is Josko Guardiol, who made a great transfer from Dinamo to RB Leipzig. I think that is the right way. Now, I am happy that I am a regular player at a big club like Dinamo.”
‘Am I ready to leave?’
When pressed specifically on those Arsenal links, Sutalo was reluctant to give much aways.
“Obviously you know something that I don’t!” he laughs. “I don’t deal with those things. I am concentrating exclusively on Dinamo, the national team and my game.
“As for those rumours, it is a kind of proof that I am on the right path. Am I ready to leave? I can only say that I am very happy in my Dinamo. The club offers me everything a young player should have.
“On the other hand, we know how Dinamo works and we’ll see what happens in the summer. I don’t bother with those things, and I don’t like to talk about it. Let the profession judge. It’s up to me to keep working hard on the field, and then we’ll see what the future brings.”
Sutalo, like fellow Croatian Gvardiol, prides himself upon his ball-playing ability. The Bosnia-born, 6ft 3ins colossus would likely spell the end for Rob Holding if he does end up at Arsenal this summer.
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