Arsenal have made an approach to sign Roger Ibanez from Roma, according to CalcioMercato.
Ibanez only moved to Roma last summer, but he has quickly caught the attention of Arsenal, Everton and Leicester City – with the Premier League trio all hunting him.
Roma are said to be keen to keep hold of Ibanez, but would sell for around £30 million.
Whether Arsenal would be able to afford that fee in January is doubtful, especially as they want to strengthen in other areas, but they have apparently made a ‘request’.
If Ibanez was to arrive at the Emirates Stadium he would help add further steel to Arsenal’s backline.
Mikel Arteta has been keen to improve his side’s defence since taking charge, and he brought in Gabriel last summer.
Gabriel has made a bright start in North London, but he is yet to find a totally reliable partner at the back.
Ibanez may well have the potential to be that man if he was to arrive, as he has looked rock solid in Italy.
The 22-year-old is still fairly inexperienced, but he seems capable of playing at the top level of Italian football despite his tender years, and Arsenal’s scouts clearly see plenty of potential in him.
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