Just like this summer, Arsenal were on the lookout for a central defender last year. The Gunners were linked with a number of centre-halves but none more than Joachim Andersen.
TMW reported a year ago that the Gunners had tabled a £40.4 million bid to sign Andersen as well as his teammate Dennis Praet.
Arsenal’s attempts went in vain as Ligue 1 side Lyon completed a deal to sign the Danish defender for £21.5 million. (Football Italia)
Two months later, Andersen revealed that he snubbed Arsenal for a chance to play in the Champions League with Lyon (Foot Mercato) which was a reality check for the Gunners, who have been out of the competition for almost three seasons now.
Arsenal eventually signed David Luiz from Chelsea on deadline day but there was a feeling among fans that they missed out on a quality defender in Andersen.
However, it almost looks like the Gunners dodged a bullet. His first season with Lyon has been truly disappointing, so much so that the French giants are looking to replace him, just a year after they signed him.
L’Equipe revealed last week that Lyon were looking to bring in Crystal Palace’s Mamdou Sakho as Andersen’s replacement.
It hasn’t yet been said if Lyon will sell him this summer but it looks clear that he will no longer remain their first choice when football returns.
That isn’t to say that Andersen is a bad defender. The Dane is still only 24, and has all the qualities to succeed at the highest level.
However, a move to the Premier League clearly would have been too early for him. Arsenal fans, as disappointed as they were last summer, shouldn’t be too upset now over missing out on him.
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