Wantaway midfielder Denis Zakaria is eager on a Premier League move, with Arsenal, one of the clubs very keen on the Gladbach star.
According to The Sun, Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Denis Zakaria, with the Swiss midfielder eager to sign for a Premier League side. The Borussia Monchengladbach star’s contract expires in the summer, meaning he will be able to move on a free transfer.
Denis Zakaria has forged a reputation in the last few years for being one of the most promising defensive midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues. While he may still lack stature compared to some established stars in his position, he looks ready for a bigger challenge.
Manchester City are one of the clubs interested, as Pep Guardiola is ready to find a long-term replacement for veteran Fernandinho. Zakaria would fit in perfectly for that role, and those links show how much the midfielder has grown in reputation due to his top-rated performances at Gladbach.
He is set to quit the Germans in the summer when his contract runs out. While there could be plenty of interest coming from any top-five leagues, Zakaria seems interested in moving to England and testing himself in the Premier League. He is ready to listen to offers from England, and Arsenal are one of the sides keen on the midfielder as they look to make additions towards their squad rebuild.
Zakaria will be signed to screen the defence, allowing Thomas Partey or Granit Xhaka to play to their strengths in attacking the ball. The pair currently is Arsenal’s first-choice midfielders, although Xhaka is out injured at least until January. In hindsight, none of the two are out and out defensive midfielders but often take the role up.
Zakaria’s addition would give Mikel Arteta another option to play around with and change his midfield style depending on the opposition. The Swiss star’s assurance on the ball and off it is a trait the Gunners would benefit from adding.
Briefly in the summer, Arsenal were interested in bringing Zakaria as a replacement for international teammate Xhaka, who looked destined to leave north London. However, the Gunners’ star stayed put and signed a new deal with the club, allowing Arteta to postpone the search for a new midfielder.
Arsenal will also have potentially two midfielders in Mohamed Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles leaving the club in the near future. The Egyptian’s contract ends next June, while Maitland-Niles wants a starting role, which seems impossible at the Emirates given the pecking order. Zakaria could offset those departures, and more importantly, provide Arsenal with some steel in the middle.
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