Arsenal are keen on Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand, who has a €60 million release clause in his contract.
Mikel Arteta could dip into the market for a new central defender to add proper cover for William Saliba. According to Fichajes, Robin Le Normand has emerged as a target for Arsenal. They could be willing to pay his €60 million release clause to sign him from La Liga club Real Sociedad.
Arsenal are having a fantastic season and continuing their quest towards the Premier League title. They have dropped valuable points against Liverpool and West Ham in the last few games, which may cost them. However, the one common factor in those draws was the absence of William Saliba.
The Frenchman suffered an injury before the international break and has since missed Arsenal’s last four league games. Rob Holding has done a decent job covering for the 21-year-old. But the Gunners’ foundation was built on the strong partnership between Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
In both of those two draws, Arsenal went two goals up before capitulating amid pressure from the opposition. It has raised the question about bringing in a cover for Saliba’s position, as Rob Holding may not prove good enough in the long run.
Mikel Arteta had previously thought about bringing in a right-sided central defender, but so far, nothing has materialised. They did bring Jakub Kiwior as cover for Gabriel in January and may do the same with Saliba’s position.
They are now linked with Real Sociedad’s Robin Le Normand, a mainstay in the La Liga side’s defence. He has helped his side on their quest to finish in the top four, which will point to the good season he’s had.
The La Liga defender has a contract until 2026, meaning Sociedad could remain relaxed about his situation and future. Arsenal’s interest could tempt the player to explore the move, but he will start as Saliba’s cover, considering the current order.
Sociedad might want interested clubs to pay his €60 million release clause. They may not entertain negotiations to reduce that amount, although a slightly lower fee could also become an option. However, their recent rise in stature commands them to secure the correct money for their important stars.
Le Normand has silently been Sociedad’s leader at the back and produced some memorable games this season. The €60 million-rated defender only has a €35 million market value as per Transfermarkt. That information will not deter Sociedad.
Arsenal will certainly enter the window for a new defender and have names like Evan Ndicka on their list. The free agent will likely have a bidding war for his signature, something the Gunners have previously avoided. They would like to sit down with Sociedad and find a solution to sign the defender.
For now, Le Normand will focus on finishing the season strongly and possibly consider a transfer. Arsenal’s interest could also let other clubs look at the player. Such a prospect could improve Sociedad’s chances of getting the best possible price for the 26-year-old.
