Arsenal and Real Madrid are chasing Borussia Dortmund’s young defensive sensation Joane Gadou, having watched him closely in action.
According to Fussball News, Joane Gadou is attracting considerable market interest, with the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid part of the chase. The Borussia Dortmund star is rising in stature owing to his performances for the German side, with the interested parties having watched him in action recently.
Joane Gadou arrived at Borussia Dortmund in the summer following some impressive displays with RB Salzburg. The German side invested heavily in the 1.95m tall, towering defender and expects to develop him into a top defender on the continent, although their plans may be hampered by the rising interest in the background.
Dortmund have justified the outlay on the 19-year-old Bundesliga defender in the summer, as Niko Kovač has played him regularly this season across all competitions. The regularity of his appearances has attracted scouts to watch him in action, with some clubs sending observers to watch him during the games against Real Betis and Bayern Munich recently.
The likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid have gathered information on his performances in the background, which is a sign they are keeping close tabs on his displays. Whether either of those teams is ready to make an immediate approach for the 19-year-old Bundesliga defender remains the question, as Dortmund have no intention of letting him leave within six months of his arrival.
Dortmund hold the cards on Joane Gadou
Dortmund are protected by a long-term contract with Gadou, which only expires in 2031, meaning they have the power to reject any or all approaches in January. In any case, if and when they are open to selling the 19-year-old Bundesliga defender, Dortmund will demand a fee somewhere between €40-50 million, going by current market standards.
As for the interested parties, Arsenal are one of the most intriguing sides on the continent when it comes to attracting defenders. Every player who has joined Mikel Arteta’s system has flourished, and that may prove attractive enough for a young star like Gadou to develop his game.
The Gunners recently signed the experienced Ezri Konsa, which negates the need for a new defender, although Gadou could be a long-term plan.
Real Madrid have also been looking at young defensive signings of late, as their reported interest in Luka Vuskovic is proof. They are angling to refresh their backline for the future, amid links to Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori, among others, as someone like Gadou could be viewed as a future option rather than someone who could improve the defence in the present.