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Arsenal have been given the opportunity to sign Borussia Dortmund star Manuel Akanji this summer.
THE LOWDOWN: AKANJI IS FOR SALE
Arsenal have been very active in the summer transfer window, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos making the move to the Emirates.
There are more arrivals expected at the club, asides the imminent arrival of Oleksandr Zichenko. Other names have been linked with a move to the Emirates and one name that has appeared is Manuel Akanji.
The Switzerland defender plays for Borussia Dortmund in Germany, and is an essential part of the Dortmund team. However, he has refused to extend his contract with the team.
For this reason, the BVB has opted to sell him this transfer window so as not to lose him for free.
THE LATEST: DORTMUND SET PRICE
According to a report from Sport Witness, Dortmund have set a €20 million price tag on the defender. Arsenal are one of the clubs viewed as a possible destination for the center-back.
The 27-year-old has been informed that he won’t feature in Edin Terzic’s side this season. With the pre-season currently on, it has become increasingly likely that he will be left out of the squad for the 2022-23 season.
La Gazzetta dello Sport have also reported that Dortmund chiefs contacted Arsenal as they want to offload the player. According to another report, there has been a “breakup” between Akanji and the club.
Borussia Dortmund finished second in the Bundesliga last season and Akanji was a regular feature at the back. However, the signings of German internationals Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck mean there are other options available to play next season.
THE VERDICT: AN UNNECESSARY TRANSFER
With William Saliba’s return to Arsenal, it means there are more options to cover at centre-back than last season.
Pablo Mari is still at the club as well, with Arsenal looking to offload him. Arsenal also have the option of Tomiyasu covering at center back if the need arises.
If Arsenal go into the season with the current options at the back, they are well stocked. Also, Akanji’s pedigree means he will want regular football, which cannot be guaranteed at Arsenal.
Such a transfer is not necessary for the Gunners at this time.
