Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly interested in bringing Bundesliga starlet Philipp Ochs to the Emirates this summer. In more Gunners related news, a price-tag of £40 million has been slapped on defensive target Kostas Manolas.
Arsenal target 19-year-old teenager
According to German publication BILD, Premier League giants Arsenal are interested in bringing 19-year-old winger Philipp Ochs away from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim. Arsene Wenger had a shortage of wingers in the 2015/16 season, and would be looking to add to the depth in that position.
It is also reported that the Gunners have sent scouts to the ongoing European under-19 Championships where Ochs is currently participating, and a concrete offer could be made within the next few days. The winger chalked up 13 league appearances for the German club in the 2015/16 campaign but could only register a solitary assist in that time. However, internationally he’s been faring well, scoring a hat-trick recently against the Portuguese under-19 side.
Speaking about the media speculation, Ochs’ adviser stated: “Philip has attracted attention with strong performances – not only now at the European Championships. As of now, we have not participated in any speculation, and would not in the future.”
Kostas Manolas to cost Arsenal a staggering £40 million
As reported by Goal, Italian side AS Roma have slapped a £40 million price tag on Arsenal target Kostas Manolas. Roma have had their defence ravaged by injuries in the past few months and are hesitant to let go of their defensive mainstay.
The Greek defender replaced Medhi Benatia at Stadio Olimpico, and has since been impressing the manager and the fans alike. In the 2015/16 season, Manolas played in all but one of his side’s 38 league matches, scoring two goals and providing the same amount of assists. He also averaged an impressive 4.1 clearances per game, and also made close to 2 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes of play.
If Wenger agrees to match his transfer fee, he will bring in a strong and pacy ball-playing defender to the Emirates. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny looked far from a steady pair last season, and Manolas could be an upgrade on them. Given his style of play, it shouldn’t take Manolas much time in getting accustomed to the fast and physical Premier League.
