Arsenal are reportedly interested in securing the services of Lukas Klostermann from RB Leipzig to bolster their defence ahead of the season.
German publication Bild have reported that Arsenal are eyeing a move for RB Leipzig’s defender Lukas Klostermann to add to their squad. The report stated that Arsenal are “hot” on the 20-year-old’s heels but face competition from crosstown rivals Tottenham along with Ajax and Juventus, who have all reportedly scouted the German youngster on previous occasions.
Not a nice end to the game as @gpaulista5 leaves the pitch on a stretcher#MCFCvAFC ? 2-3 ? (90)
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 7, 2016
Arsenal’s injury woes were already deep, but salt was added to the proverbial wound on Sunday when Gabriel Paulista was stretchered off during injury time in the pre-season friendly against Manchester City. Gabriel’s injury seemed to be serious as the Brazilian looked to be in much pain. This leaves Arsene Wenger with a solitary pure central defender – new signing Rob Holding – ahead of the season opener against Liverpool.
? “He’s in pain. Let’s hope that the pain is not a sign of bad news.”#MCFCvAFC pic.twitter.com/XEiRNEBN4j
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 7, 2016
Arsene Wenger echoed the words of a million Arsenal fans with the statement but with Koscielny not ready to start against Liverpool and Mertesacker out long-term, Gabriel Paulista’s injury may force the Frenchman’s hand in delving into the transfer market for a centre-back. It seems like Wenger has set his sights on Klostermann. The French manager has Callum Chambers at his disposal, but he has not been up to the mark when deployed as a central defender, which would mean Arsenal fans could see their wish for a new central defender finally being fulfilled.
Lukas Klostermann is currently in Rio as part of the German U-23 squad participating in the Olympics and even though the 20-year-old has been deployed as a right-back, the defender is known to be equally adept at playing across the back four. The player has two years left on his current contract with RB Leipzig that runs until June 2018 and could be interested in the prospect of playing for a club as illustrious as Arsenal.
The Gunners are in desperate need of signing a new central defender before the season’s opener against Liverpool and if Arsene Wenger’s interest in the young defender is concrete, the Arsenal faithful may see a deal being completed for the 20-year-old sooner rather than later. Leipzig would clearly struggle to convince the player to reject a club as big as the Premier League club.