Arsenal have reportedly started their transfer dealings for the season ahead, with a €12 million bid placed for Gremio defender Walter Kannemann.
Italian publication Calciomercato have speculated that Arsenal have taken a decisive step towards strengthening their back four. The Gunners have reportedly placed a €12 million bid to Gremio for Argentine international Walter Kannemann as they look to beef up their central defence for the new season.
The report states that Kannemann is also courting interest from Serie A, with Inter Milan and Sampdoria among the clubs interested in the 28-year-old. Also, the central defender is ready for a new chapter in his club career and is ready to quit Gremio this summer for a move to Europe.
Walter Kannemann has had a massive upturn in terms of career graph and fortunes since joining Gremio in the summer of 2016. Amassing a total of 84 appearances for the Brazilian outfit so far, with three trophies during his Gremio career so far, the 28-year-old received his senior bow for Argentina in 2018 and has recorded 5 appearances to date for the National Team.
According to various reports, the Arsenal board are ready to back Unai Emery with a hefty transfer budget in the summer window and add £50 million to the already quoted budget but on the condition that the Gunners are able to win the Europa League and hence, qualify for the Champions League.
Emery though, will continue to scour for shrewd additions to his Arsenal squad, something that paid massive dividends, with Sokratis, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi all coming in at a reasonable price in 2018 and going on to become regulars at Arsenal.
Kannemann is the latest name to pop up on Arsenal’s radar and judging by the 28-year-old’s current trajectory, the Gunners are pursuing him at a time when he is starting to peak.
Inter Milan and Sampdoria are interested in the defender as well. But, the Italian duo are likely pursuing the Gremio defender because their respective star centre-backs Milan Skriniar and Joachim Andersen are being targeted by other top European clubs.
The prospect of getting an Argentinean international that is entering the ripe period of his career for just €12 million will not just be a bargain but a steal, if Arsenal manage to get it over the line. It will be interesting to see what Kannemann will choose, should Inter Milan and Sampdoria table their own offers to Gremio.
The 28-year-old will have to opt between Serie A, a league Brazilians seem to prefer in general when taking their first step outside Europe, or the riches that Premier League have on offer.
