Arsenal have been linked with Real Sociedad’s Robin Le Normand in recent days.
According to Spain’s Mundo Deportivo, the Gunners side have the 26-year-old defender in their sights.
Arsenal have enjoyed a bright season and remain at the Premier League summit.
However, the Gunners’ previously sizeable lead has dwindled to four points.
In addition, Manchester City have a game in hand on Mikel Arteta’s side.
An injury to William Saliba has proven problematic for Arsenal.
The Frenchman is reportedly ready to rush back for the title run-in and risk further injury.
This highlights Arsenal’s need for more strength in depth at the back.
With that in mind, the Gunners could now look to bolster their defensive ranks further in the summer.
‘No-nonsense centre-back’
Le Normand has been a rock for Sociedad, who are pushing for Champions league qualification this season.
He has featured 34 times in all competitions, with the Basque side sitting fourth in the La Liga standings.
In 2021, 90Min described Le Normand as a ‘no-nonsense centre-back’ who’s ‘strong in the air and doesn’t back out of a challenge’.
At the same time, they stressed he has ‘proven himself to be comfortable taking the ball and distributing into midfield.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has made 29 appearances alongside Le Normand and is said to be a fan.
Gunners cult hero Nacho Monreal also knows Le Normand well, having played alongside him 59 times.
In terms of price tag, the centre-back reportedly has a £53million release clause, which the club wants triggered.
Our view
Arsenal certainly could do with more strength in depth at the back, and Le Normand seems like a good shout.
You’d like to think that Odegaard and Monreal would’ve vouched for him to Mikel Arteta.
At the same time, £53m seems like a gamble for a player who is unproven at Premier League and international level.
Let’s see what happens in the summer and whether Arsenal can negotiate a lower price with Sociedad.
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