Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly in talks to sign Sampdoria defender Joachim Andersen, who is also on the radar of Manchester United.
According to The Sun, Joachim Andersen could be moving to the AnPremier League soon. Arsenal and Tottenham are not only interested in the Danish centre-back but are already holding talks to prospectively facilitate his transfer to their respective sides. The Sampdoria star is also a target for Manchester United.
Joachim Andersen is not that well known a name. In 2016, the player moved to Sampdoria in a very low-money deal. But, what has transpired afterwards has left people bewildered at his progress. Now 22, Andersen is knocking on the doorsteps of the Danish National Team and is one of the key players for Sampdoria, who are currently mid-table in Serie A.
Andersen is a towering centre-back whose skill-set can be compared to that of Chelsea defender and compatriot Andreas Christensen. Needless to say, his progress has alerted the top brass of the Premier League, with Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United all interested.
Jose Mourinho seems to have lost faith in the current options he has at his disposal as far as central defence is concerned. Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof seem to have emerged as the choice pairing for now, but the manager is keen to bolster the Manchester United backline in January, something he wanted but was unable to do in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal have a similar problem. Rob Holding seems to have really stepped up. But, Sokratis is an ageing figure, Laurent Koscielny has become errant and injury-prone while Shkodran Mustafi is too inconsistent to command the backline of a team worthy of being labelled Premier League contenders.
Tottenham have perhaps, the best backline among the three teams in the chase to sign Joachim Andersen. Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld are world-class while Davinson Sanchez is no pushover himself. But, Spurs are in danger of losing Alderweireld and Vertonghen in the coming year(s), which might compel Mauricio Pochettino to dive into the coffers for a centre-back.
Arsenal and Tottenham are seemingly ahead of Manchester United currently, with two key officials of Sampdoria reportedly flying to London to hold official talks with the two clubs over a potential transfer. Nothing is confirmed as of yet but the clubs will have to shell out at least £25 million to land Andersen.
For now, Sampdoria would be looking forward to more of Andersen’s performances, which they will hope aid their cause of moving up on the Serie A table.
