Arsenal need to strengthen their defence, and will go back in for Mainz centre-back Jean-Philippe Gbamin in the summer, according to reports.
The Gunners’ attempt to sign Gbamin last summer failed, and according to the Express, Arsenal are keen to reignite their interest in the 23-year old.
Gbamin might cost at least £40 million, but the fee might come down as the player has made it clear he wants to move on and take the next big step in his career.
After joining Mainz in the summer of 2016, Gbamin has gone on to become a key player for the club.
Gbamin has featured in 19 games so far this season, and has been an integral part of the team as they hope to finish in the top half of the table.
A strong and agile centre-half, Gbamin is proficient at bringing the ball out from the back, something Unai Emery’s set-up is begging at the moment.
Gbamin has also surprisingly managed 1.3 shots per game, which is astounding for a centre-half, and shows that he likes getting forward.
Some Arsenal fans will be alarmed by that, but because how quick he is, Gbamin has the ability to take on the fastest of attackers.
The likes of Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny haven’t been the most assertive, and aren’t the quickest either. It seems that Sokratis Papastathopoulos is the most reliable centre-half at the moment.
The Gunners need someone who is good with the front-footed defending, and Gbamin is the player to do that.
The Ivorian international isn’t afraid to get forward, and considering Emery wants his side to play out from the back, Gbamin would fit right in with his style.
Gbamin has had a couple of good years at Mainz, and even though it’ll take him some time to settle down in the much more aggressive Premier League, he would be a smart addition to the team.
A price tag of £40 million does seem a bit steep, and it remains to be seen if Arsenal can get that down.
Stats via Whoscored
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