Arsenal are reportedly in a transfer tussle with Everton and Aston Villa to sign 26-year-old Spanish international Mario Hermoso from Atletico Madrid.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal are interested in signing Mario Hermoso from Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window. However, the Gunners are facing some stiff competition from Everton and Aston Villa in pursuit of the 26-year-old Spanish international.
Mario Hermoso joined Atletico Madrid from Espanyol in the summer of 2019 and has since gone on to carve out a place for himself in the first-team setup at the Wanda Metropolitano. To date, the Spaniard has amassed 61 appearances for Los Rojiblancos, chipping in with two goals and an assist along the way.
In particular, the 26-year-old has impressed with his versatility, which is exactly what has helped him become a regular for Diego Simeone. His progress has also helped Hermoso become a full-fledged Spanish international while also piquing the interest of some of the biggest Premier League clubs, among others. As things stand, Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa are tailing the player.
The interest from Arsenal is interesting considering they have already bolstered the heart of their defence by signing Ben White while also landing a left-back in Nuno Tavares. The Gunners also have two left-footed central defenders in Gabriel Magalhaes and Pablo Mari, both of whom are regulars at the back. So, it is curious to see how Hermoso would fit in the Arsenal first-team setup.
As for Everton, they are looking to offload Yerry Mina following a couple of inconsistent campaigns at Goodison Park. At the same time, the Toffees have been linked with Stefan de Vrij, Phil Jones and Clement Lenglet among others. And Hermoso fits the bill as well, with his ability to play as a left-back being an added bonus, thus potentially alleviating Everton with the need to sign a left-back.
Finally, Aston Villa have also been in the market for a centre-back this summer, with recent reports pointing towards a move for Axel Tuanzebe. The eagerness to sign a central defender makes sense, though, seeing as Dean Smith has only three options at his disposal for the heart of his defence. And signing someone like Hermoso can be a step in the right direction to raise the level at the back.
Hermoso will not come cheap, though, with Atletico Madrid likely to demand around €35 million for the 26-year-old. For now, the Spanish international’s stock just continues to rise and it will be interesting to see if any of Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa can make massive strides in his pursuit or if he stays put at the Wanda Metropolitano.
