Reported Arsenal and Leeds United target Noussair Mazraoui is close to signing a contract with Borussia Dortmund, with the Ajax defender set to be on the move this summer.
According to Sport1 journalist Patrick Berger via the Die Dortmund-Woche podcast, the Moroccan international has decided to join the Bundesliga giants, with the reporter saying that ‘there’s concrete talks’ between Mazraoui and the club.
As reported by ESPN, both Arsenal and Leeds were interested in the Ajax right-back, who has starred for the Eredivisie club this season with five goals and three assists in all competitions.
Mazraoui’s form has been impressive for the Dutch club since the departure of Sergino Dest in 2020, with the Leiderdorp-born defender one of the top fullbacks in the Netherlands and impressing both domestically and in Europe, where Ajax this season have been incredible.
Yet despite both Arsenal and Leeds’ need for a right-back, it looks like Dortmund have won the race for the 24-year-old, with the German club getting into the action fast to wrap up Mazraoui’s signature.
The Morocco international is set to become Dortmund’s second pre-contract signing of the year, with the Bundesliga signing already winning the race for Bayern Munich centre-back Niklas Sule, who was eyed by many Premier League clubs over the January window.
Dortmund signing allows Arsenal & Leeds to find Mazraoui alternative
The Ajax star would have been a great signing for both Arsenal and Leeds, yet Dortmund wrapping up Mazraoui early allows both clubs to identify an alternative transfer ahead of the summer window.
For Arsenal, a solid back-up to Takehiro Tomiyasu is a must ahead of next season, whilst Leeds need a right-back who can eventually replace Luke Ayling in the first-team, with Cody Drameh not ready just yet for Premier League football.
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