Arsenal are reportedly keen on RB Leipzig’s 23-year-old versatile defender Mohamed Simakan ahead of the summer.
According to Ed Aarons of The Guardian, Arsenal are reportedly interested in Mohamed Simakan. The Gunners need defensive reinforcements on the right side of the field. Mikel Arteta prefers a versatile option in the summer window.
Arsenal have become strong as a unit throughout the season, and Mikel Arteta wants to bridge the gaps in his side. The Gunners have a squad worthy of challenging for the Premier League title, but a few issues have probably cost them the big prize.
William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu suffered major injuries in the second-leg clash against Sporting CP. They have since cost Arsenal in the title race. Arteta would like to bring in a new right-sided defender, not particularly a centre-back. But someone who can also occupy the right-back position.
The idea may seem too close to Tomiyasu, but that is what Arteta would prefer. Meanwhile, they are reportedly linked with many stars of that profile in a young age group. Ivan Fresneda remains a close target for the Gunners, and the player also falls sufficiently on their price point.
Understand that Arsenal are showing strong interest in RB Leipzig's Mohamed Simakan. The 23-year-old defender signed a new contract until 2027 in December
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) May 12, 2023
There were links to Marc Guehi, but his nearly £50 million price point will cause any move to derail. Arsenal were reportedly prepared to pay around £45 million for the Crystal Palace star. However, he needs to offer more options through his style other than being a centre-back.
Other names include Ajax right back Devyne Rensch. Now Guardian journalist Ed Aarons linked them with Mohamed Simakan. The 23-year-old versatile defender, who plays for RB Leipzig, can play centrally and as a full-back, making him an ideal option for Arteta.
Other clubs like Chelsea were showing an interest in the 23-year-old versatile defender, but those links have since cooled down. Simakan will prove an astute purchase if their interest grows serious. Arteta might still prefer Fresneda, having chased the Spaniard since January. Meanwhile, Rensch and Simakan could fall into the alternative group.
Moreover, Simakan may fall into the slightly expensive category of players considering he only signed a new deal until 2027. The operation might prove difficult, considering how tough Leipzig can get in negotiations but still very much doable.
