Arsenal, alongside four other clubs are reportedly keen on signing Jason Denayer from Manchester City on deadline day.
According to a report in TransferMarketWeb, Jason Denayer has a host of suitors vying for his signature on deadline day. The Manchester City defender is the subject of interest from Arsenal, Celtic, Girona and Galatasaray.
Denayer joined the Manchester City youth setup from JMG Academy in 2013 before breaking into the first-team setup only a year later. However, the player is yet to make a senior appearance for the Citizens, having spent the last three seasons away from Etihad on loan.
Celtic, Galatasaray and Sunderland have all had the services of Denayer for a season-long loan spell, with only the last one at the Stadium of Light failing to bear fruit. In fact, the Belgium international was named the PFA Young Player of the Year in Scotland while with Celtic, while winning the Turkish Cup during his spell at Galatasaray.
Transfer News: Arsenal and Celtic keen on late swoop for Man City ace Jason Denayer
Click Here … pic.twitter.com/NtF11ZFSKa— scorehighlights (@scorehighlights) August 31, 2017
But, having returned to City after last season’s spell at Sunderland, his future at the club looks bleak. Pep Guardiola currently has Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Eliaquim Mangala as his central defensive options, with Denayer fifth in the pecking order.
With the Manchester City boss reportedly eyeing Jonny Evans as well, the 22-year-old clearly does not feature in the Spaniard’s plans. Therefore, a move away from Etihad is certainly on the cards for the player. And he does not have a dearth of suitors lining up for him with as many as four clubs interested.
The most prominent name among these is Arsenal’s, who are definitely surprise suitors for the player. However, the Gunners are in a precarious situation, with defensive woes condemning them to two losses in their first three Premier League games.
On top of that, Shkodran Mustafi’s future at Emirates is mired in heavy uncertainty, with a move to Italy being widely reported. Should the German defender depart, Arsene Wenger will have Rob Holding, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker as the only natural centre-backs at his disposal.
With their bid for West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans being rejected, Denayer is an alternative that is being considered. Meanwhile, the likes of Celtic, Galatasaray and Girona are also eyeing up deals for Denayer, and are set to make a move for him on deadline day.
Celtic are looking to bring in Jason Denayer on another loan according to reports. pic.twitter.com/A3UMwPkgD2
— Focus on Celtic (@FocusOnCeltic) August 30, 2017
City, though, could favour selling Denayer to Arsenal as a move to North London could strengthen their position in pursuit of Alexis Sanchez. Raheem Sterling has been rumoured to be part of a possible player plus cash deal.
But, including the Belgian instead would be something that would allow Guardiola to retain a player who he rates highly while signing one he has been pursuing throughout the summer.
Girona, who have recently been acquired by the City Football Group – the owners of Manchester City – could also have a distinct advantage in their pursuit of Denayer. The player, though, might prefer a move back to either Celtic or Galatasaray, where he enjoyed promising spells.
It now remains to be seen where Denayer heads off to in the summer, with four clubs eagerly trying to snap him up before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday night.
