ARSENAL are being offered the chance to sign Borussia Dortmund centre-half Manuel Akanji.
The 26-year-old Swiss international defender was a regular starter for the Bundesliga runners-up last season.
But he has been told he can leave following the sacking of head coach Marco Rose and the recent signings of German internationals Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Now Akanji’s representatives are looking for a move to the Premier League and are targeting Arsenal as potential buyers.
They are highlighting the fact that Akanji, who has also been linked to Manchester United, is a Swiss team-mate of Gunners ace Granit Xhaka who impressed in an friendly against England in March.
And they are confident that Dortmund’s current £21million asking price – similar to the fee they have just paid to sign Schlotterbeck from Freiburg – is certain to drop in the coming weeks.
Read More on Football
Arsenal ‘£43m Gabriel Jesus transfer bid’, Akanji offered to Gunners EXCLUSIVE
New customers get £30 in FREE BETS when you stake any amount – 18+ T&Cs apply
But the Gunners are still unlikely to take up the offer as Akanji is right-footed and they are looking for a left-footed centre-half to act as back-up to Gabriel Magalhaes.
With William Saliba set to return to the Emirates from his loan deal at Marseille to challenge Ben White and Rob Holding next season, Mikel Arteta is already well stocked for right-sided central defenders.
Saliba recently stated that he "belongs" to Arsenal and is keen to finally play for this "great club" and its fans.
The Frenchman said: "I belong to Arsenal, I still have two years left.
Most read in Football
WIN WIN SITUATION 
Liverpool ready to smash transfer record to land £85m Darwin Nunez
Kane's last-gasp penalty RESCUES point for visitors at the Allianz
Owen trolled by Channel 4 host over Love Island daughter Gemma before England game
De Jong unhappy with Barcelona role and wants new position at Man Utd
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
"I will be back with Arsenal. I have played zero matches and I still want to show them my true face and have the chance to play for these fans and this great club.
"But it doesn’t just depend on me. In any case, to leave like this, would be a shame."
Source: Read Full Article
