Newcastle United are now interested in snapping up RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan but face a battle with Arsenal.
Arsenal have been joined by Newcastle United in the race to sign RB Leipzig ace Mohamed Simakan.
That is according to a report from The Guardian, who claim that Arsenal and Newcastle are showing a ‘strong interest’ in Simakan.
The problem is that Leipzig won’t exactly be minded to let Simakan go easily.
Simakan signed a new contract with Leipzig in December, tying himself to the Bundesliga club until 2027.
That means Arsenal and Newcastle would face paying an enormous fee for Simakan – one which may be prohibitive.
Arsenal will see Simakan as a top talent who can play at right back or centre back, offering ideal competition for both Ben White and William Saliba.
Newcastle are more likely to see Simakan just as a centre back, possibly competing with Fabian Schar for the right centre back role.
Jamaal Lascelles is likely to move on this summer and Simakan could be a high-end replacement.
Who is Arsenal and Newcastle target Mohamed Simakan?
Simakan was born in Marseille and did spend a few years in the Marseille youth ranks.
Simakan moved to Strasbourg in 2017 though and that’s where he got his big break.
The defender turned out for the Strasbourg B team before stepping up to the senior squad in 2019.
Simakan turned out 44 times for Strasbourg and showed enough potential to earn himself a move to RB Leipzig.
The 23-year-old has now played 78 times for the Bundesliga club, notching four gaols and nine assists.
Three goals and eight assists came last season as Simakan showed his versatility by being an attacking threat at right back and a superb defender at centre back.
Simakan has played twice for the French Under-21’s but can also play for Guinea – just like half-brother Ismael Bangoura, who played for Dynamo Kyiv amongst others.
Hailed as a ‘phenomenon’ by former Strasbourg coach Francois Keller, Simakan could now make a big step to the Premier League with both Arsenal and Newcastle pursuing him.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
