Spanish expert reveals truth about THREE Arsenal transfer deals
ARSENAL are NOT lining up moves for Samuel Umtiti, Presnel Kimpembe or Mario Hermoso as they bid to overhaul their defence.
That is according to Spanish football expert and journalist Kike Marin.
Unai Emery needs to strengthen his backline ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.
The Gunners have an ageing defence with a host of defenders edging nearer the end of their contracts.
Captain Laurent Koscielny along with fellow defenders Shkodran Mustafi, Nacho Montreal, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Stephan Lichtsteiner all have deals expiring within the next two years.
As a result, targets are being identified with the Premier League transfer window now open.
Barcelona centre-half Umtiti has been linked as an optimistic option, with the France international’s future up in the air as his game time has diminished at the Nou Camp.
PSG defender Kimpembe, 23, is another who has struggled for match action this season despite being highly rated.
The news surrounding Arsenal’s transfer targets comes as:
Arsenal prepare for their training ground friendly on Thursday
Bournemouth get ready to accept bids from Arsenal and Everton for Ryan Fraser
Arsenal table a contract offer to Valencia goalkeeper Norberto Murara
“Saint-Etienne’s William Saliba is one being looked at by Emery”
Ex-Real Madrid youth Hermoso, now at Espanyol, has also been touted as a potential possibility for Arsenal.
However, Marin has played down the idea there is interest in any of the three centre-halves across Europe.
Arsenal could be making a move for one highly-rated young defender, though.
Marin suggests Saint-Etienne’s William Saliba is one being looked at by Emery and his recruitment team.
The 18-year-old has broken onto the scene in Ligue 1 this season.
At 6ft 4in, the teenager stands as an imposing figure in Saint-Etienne’s backline, having helped them to a fourth-place finish.
He is reportedly valued at £25m, with Saint-Etienne seemingly expecting interest in their talented youngster this summer.
Saliba played in their final six games in Ligue 1 this term, winning five of them.
Whether Saliba would be drafted straight into Arsenal’s first XI if he were to join is another matter, but he would certainly be a player for the future in north London.