Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Ligue 1 club Reims over a potential deal to bring defender £15 million rated Axel Disasi over to Emirates.
It seems Arsenal may have finally found a sureshot way of beefing up their central defence without depleting much of their potential transfer budget for the summer. According to Daily Mail, Reims defender Axel Disasi has been identified as a priority target, with the Gunners already in talks with the Ligue 1 club for the French Under-20 international.
The report sheds light on the fact that Arsenal had approached Reims for Disasi way back in December, 2019 only to be rejected swiftly. But, the situation has changed. Reims are aware of the prospect of losing Disasi in 2021 on a free transfer and have thus, decided to listen to offers for the defender.
22-year-old Disasi is part of one of the most formidable defences in Europe, with Reims conceding just 21 goals in 28 Ligue 1 games so far, one more than Real Madrid, who have the best record in a domestic league to date this season. Tightening up the nook at the back is Arsenal’s need of the hour.
Mikel Arteta has one quality centre-back returning in the form of summer signing William Saliba, who was sent back on a season-long loan to St. Etienne. Saliba will be like a new signing. But, Arteta wants to add another option in the hope that Saliba and the other incoming player can be the pairing for the future.
Axel Disasi 2019/20 Defending Skills,Passing and Tackles ???? #Arsenal #Transfer #Target pic.twitter.com/dj3AvmKDTe
— Invincibles49 (@Martinelli14Szn) April 16, 2020
Arsenal’s current options have been far from reliable, especially during clutch games and while defending leads. Sokratis has been the lone wolf while Shkodran Mustafi has improved his levels under Arteta. Still, Arsenal’s backline is screaming for a new pairing; centre-backs who can fit into Arteta’s footballing philosophy while being reliable at the back.
Disasi is reportedly valued at £15 million by Reims, which fits right into the transfer plans for Arsenal, given the depleted budget potentially because of the losses due to the suspension of football and inability to qualify for the Champions League, if the season ends as is.
Currently, Arsenal reportedly have Dayot Upamecano in sights as their primary target. But, the in-demand RB Leipzig star will command a fee almost four times that of Disasi in addition to elite competition to land the 21-year-old.
A successful pursuit of the 22-year-old Reims star will ensure Arteta has two quality centre-backs replenishing the backline without leaving a gaping hole in the club’s transfer purse.