Arsenal are reportedly keen on adding Kerem Demirbay in the summer as they look to overhaul their squad for next season.
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Hoffenheim midfielder Karem Demirbay and may come with an offer for the German midfielder in the summer. Arsenal’s disastrous season has prompted Arsene Wenger and the board to make wholesale changes, and Demirbay is one player they look eager to sign.
The Gunners continue to remain in a precarious situation with regards to the contracts of key players. Aaron Ramsey has little over a year remaining on his current Arsenal deal, while Jack Wilshere’s contract is up this summer, with very little progress over a renewal
Arsenal, however, did tie down Mohamed Elneny to a new long-term deal just a few days back and will be hoping to do the same with Wilshere and Ramsey in the coming days.
But with both players have uncertain futures at the Emirates, Wenger is looking to identify midfield targets and has stumbled upon Hoffenheim’s Demirbay. The German midfielder, on the back of an impressive 2016/17 season, has impressed the Arsenal bosses, and the Gunners are likely to make a bid for the midfielder.
The transfer fee mooted here is £20 million, which in this current market resembles a steal for a midfielder who has the best years of his playing career ahead of him. There are other clubs monitoring his situation, but Arsenal’s name currently sits on top of the list of admirers.
Demirbay, however, has struggled for large parts this season, mostly due to persistent injuries, which have kept him away from the playing field. Nevertheless, he remains highly regarded around Europem and especially at Arsenal, who are set to go into the market for a midfielder this summer.
Arsenal’s new Head of Recruitment, Sven Mislintat is believed to be interested in bringing players from the Bundesliga and the plan to sign Demirbay fits his ideas. Mislintat’s first foray into the Bundesliga for Arsenal resulted in the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the January window.
Demirbay will represent a good signing for Arsenal, especially with his talents in deep lying areas in midfield. With the reported £20 million price tag on his head, this could be a real coup if the Gunners indeed sign him for the figure.