Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for Hellas Verona star Marash Kumbulla, who has been compared to Juventus superstar Giorgio Chiellini.
According to a report from FC Inter News, Arsenal are looking to make a swoop for Hellas Verona’s rising star Marash Kumbulla in the upcoming transfer window and have already made an enquiry about his availability.
Kumbulla is a product of the Hellas Verona academy. The 20-year-old broke into the first-team in 2018, but has become a regular for the senior side in the ongoing campaign. So far in the 2019-20 season, he has made 19 appearances for the club in all competitions, bagging a solitary goal.
Kumbulla has been one of Verona’s top players this season, helping them to eighth place in the Serie A standings. The newly-promoted side have conceded just 26 goals this term – only the top three teams in the table have shipped in fewer than them. And the 20-year-old has played an integral role in the club’s impressive defensive record.
This rise in prominence has seen Kumbulla attract a lot of admirers across Europe, including Arsenal. The Gunners’ defensive woes are no secret. While things have seen an improvement since Mikel Arteta took over in December last year, there remain issues that need to be addressed in the summer.
David Luiz is on the wrong side of 30 and so is Sokratis Papastathopoulos. Furthermore, the likes of Calum Chambers and Rob Holding have more time out on the treatment tables than on the pitch this season, thus warranting the addition of a new centre-back in the coming transfer window.
A number of players such as West Ham United’s Issa Diop and Manchester United’s Chris Smalling have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium recently. And now, Kumbulla has joined the list of potential centre-back targets for the North London giants.
However, Arsenal will have to battle with fellow Premier League club Everton, along with Inter Milan and RB Leipzig for Kumbulla’s signature this summer.
The 20-year-old, who has been compared to Juventus and Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini for his performances this season, has a contract with Verona till the summer of 2022. However, the Serie A outfit would be open to selling their prized asset for a transfer fee around €30 million, the report adds.
Given that the funds are likely to be tight heading into the summer, Arsenal will have to be very smart with their transfer handlings. It will be interesting to see if they decide to press ahead with their interest in Kumbulla once the window is open for business.
