Arsenal have joined a long list of European clubs who are targeting Hoffenheim defender Niklas Sule.
The 21-year-old has been subject to interest from many European heavyweights off late, including the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid. AC Milan and Everton are also reported to be interest in the German international, who represented his country at the Olympics, helping them to a runners’ up position in Rio.
According to Guardian and Calciomercato, Arsenal are also interested in the colossal defender, along with cross-town rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The Frankfurt-born Sule has, in his short career, made 80 appearances in the Bundesliga for Hoffenheim over the course of 5 seasons at the club. Last season was the one where he properly established himself at the Wirsol Rhein-Neckar-Arena after making 33 appearances for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
At only 21 years of age and with a considerable amount of experience under his belt, the German international is seen as the ‘next big thing’ and is sure to become a regular in the German first team in the near future. With Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny and Sule’s compatriot Per Mertesacker already 31 and 32 respectively, Arsenal need to start preparing for the future.
Summer acquisition Shkodran Mustafi has taken to the English game brilliantly, forming a great understanding with Koscielny in the middle of their defence. Given the aging squad at his disposal, it is understandable that Wenger would be keeping an eye on the future and Sule would be a perfect choice.
An imposing physical presence at 6’5, great in the air and with good passing ability, he would be a great fit for the Premier League given his physical attributes. He makes up for his lack of pace with his ability to read the game.
Should the Gunners manage to prise him away from Hoffenheim, fans would welcome a German center back pairing of Sule and Mustafi at the heart of the Arsenal defence.