Arsenal are showing an interest in Denis Zakaria, who will be a free agent at the end of the season but face intense competition for the Swiss star.
According to SportBILD journalist Christian Falk, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal are set to enter the chase for Denis Zakaria when the January window opens to sign him up or on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Zakaria could be one of the most wanted players when the winter window opens. The powerful Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season, and clubs outside Germany could sign a pre-contract agreement with the Swiss international in January.
Interest in Zakaria was present during the summer, but the midfielder stayed put at Borussia Park. However, there is a growing understanding the midfielder will not sign a contract extension, meaning he could leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
Many other midfield players of similar stature in Europe will become free agents, including Franck Kessie, Paul Pogba and Marcelo Brozovic. These four will have a queue of clubs lined up behind them when the time comes, as the outcomes of their futures could be sorted in January one way or another.
Sticking with Zakaria, the 24-year-old was attracting interest from Arsenal in the summer as Mikel Arteta searched for a reliable replacement for Granit Xhaka, who was expected to leave the club. But, as the Switzerland captain stayed put at the Emirates, the Gunners ended their interest in the Monchengladbach star.
However, Arsenal are prepared to reignite their interest in him as he could be a bargain acquisition. Despite the club signing Albert Sambi Lokonga in the summer, they are prepared to bring in a top-quality defensive midfielder, something they lack in the squad.
Although they occupy the defensive role when needed, Xhaka and Thomas Partey perform better when deployed in slightly advanced positions. And Arteta is seemingly looking to improve his midfield with another solid option.
Zakaria’s acquisition should bode well for Arsenal due to his vast experience and ability to essay multiple roles on the pitch. The Gunners will have to beat significant competition, though, as Manchester City remain keen on the 24-year-old to replace Fernandinho. It remains to be seen if Arsenal decide to step up their pursuit of the midfielder.
