Arsenal are ready to rival Manchester United in the race for Manuel Akanji, who could leave Borussia Dortmund as part of their defensive changes.
According to Sport Bild, Manuel Akanji has significant suitors from the Premier League, with Arsenal joining Manchester United in the chase for the Swiss centre-back. He could be leaving Borussia Dortmund with the German club making significant changes to their backline.
Borussia Dortmund has had a good history of developing players from scratch. They will take a chunk of the credit for the effort put into making Manuel Akanji the player he is today. The centre-back has become a high-quality target for some big clubs across the continent as a move away from Germany beckons in the summer.
There is significant interest from Manchester United and Juventus in the Swiss international, who could be leaving Borussia Dortmund after the club undertook a major defensive revamp. They have signed Freiburg centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck recently in a deal worth €20 million plus bonuses, handing him a three-year deal.
Dortmund have also secured the signing of Niklas Sule on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, and it seems the duo will be the starting central defenders for BVB from next season onwards. With Mats Hummels likely to remain at the club, there may not be a place for Akanji in the side.
The 26-year-old Swiss star’s contract expires in 2023, leaving BVB with no choice but to sell the defender in the next window. Arsenal have reportedly entered the race for the centre-back, despite the Gunners not actively seeking a new centre-back.
Mikel Arteta has an established defensive setup consisting of Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White as his starting centre-backs, with Rob Holding a quality option off the bench. They will also have William Saliba returning to the cub next summer from his loan spell at Marseille, making the Akanji links puzzling.
There had been reports linking Juventus with Arsenal star Gabriel recently. But there is little chance the Gunners will sell the Brazilian after an impressive season. Furthermore, the north Londoners are focusing their efforts on bringing midfielders and forwards in the summer. So, the rumours of interest in Akanji might not lead to anything substantial.
However, Manchester United’s interest could be realistic, as the club are likely to undertake a massive revamp after Erik ten Hag takes over as their manager. With Phil Jones and Eric Bailly likely to leave at the end of the season and given Harry Maguire’s struggles, a new centre-back will be welcome at Old Trafford, with Akanji emerging as a viable target.
As things stand, Akanji looks all set to depart Borussia Dortmund in the summer. It remains to be seen, if the interest from Arsenal and Manchester United is concrete enough and whether the defender arrives in England.
