Arsenal are ready to rival Manchester United in the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach youngster Luca Netz.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal have emerged as the latest club to be linked with a move for Luca Netz. The Borussia Monchengladbach youngster is regarded as one of the best defensive talents in the Bundesliga, with a host of clubs already monitoring his progress.
A native of Berlin, Netz had made his Bundesliga breakthrough during the backend of last season. But with his hometown club struggling with a lack of identity, the youngster made a €2 million move to Gladbach in the summer.
It has been a wise decision so far, with Netz playing a vital role for Adi Hutter’s side, especially amid the injury woes of Ramy Bensebaini. He has already notched up 12 Bundesliga appearances, registering an assist. He was notably one of the best performers for Gladbach in their home win over Borussia Dortmund earlier on in the campaign.
The 18-year-old and his teammate Joe Scally have indeed lit up the Bundesliga with their talent and skillset. They have the potential to become even bigger stars, with Manchester United notably keeping a close eye on the progress of Luca Netz. The Gladbach sensation is one of four German talents targeted by Ralf Rangnick as he looks to strengthen his squad in January.
However, it appears Arsenal, too, have now joined the race, with Mikel Arteta particularly keen on securing the services of the teenage left-back.
Although the Gunners did bring in Nuno Tavares in the summer, it appears they are preparing for life without their experienced defender in Sead Kolasinac. The former Schalke captain has been linked with a move to Watford in January, and his potential exit could pave the way for the club to make a move for someone like Netz.
The German youth international offers excellent attacking substance on the far side, while his defensive commitment is also commendable. It could make him an ideal long-term investment for the Gunners, who are flying high in the Premier League at the moment.
With the prospect of a top-four finish looming, the Emirates Stadium could indeed be an appealing destination for Netz, although it remains to be seen whether the 18-year-old will opt to leave Gladbach, having joined the club only in the summer.