Arsenal still need to sign the ideal alternative for Gabriel Magalhaes at left centre-back, but the player must also be versatile to be available in other positions. Lisandro Martinez seemed to be the main target but a deal never managed to materialise.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal's priority was Martinez due to the 24-year-old's ability to play at centre-back and left-back. Martinez was reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, and Ajax are rumoured to have rejected a bid in the region of £25million.
However, Manchester United swooped in and signed the Argentine, which left the Gunners unable to sign a player in the position during the summer. However, with January fast approaching, Edu has another chance to sign a player and the deal incoming could be Evan Ndicka after links to the defender. But, Arsenal have now received a setback in a potential deal.
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According to German outlet BILD, Newcastle are also interested in signing Ndicka at the end of the season, while the player has also been linked with a move to Anfield.
The Frenchman’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2022/2023 season, which means that the Gunners can sign him on a cut-price deal in January or on a pre-contract for a free transfer for him to join at the end of campaign. The Daily Express have quoted the defender to cost around £7million for a January deal.
However, the Gunners have potentially received a further blow in their attempts to secure a deal as Bild have also reported that Frankfurt have offered to extend Ndicka’s deal for a further three years into 2026, which would end Arsenal’s free transfer hopes.
Saliba and Ndicka are France youth internationals, and they would play perfectly alongside each other due to Ndicka being a left-footed centre-back and Saliba being right-footed. Gabriel needs more competition for his role and a left-footed centre-back would be an ideal acquisition.
Arteta’s defence has looked much more assured compared to previous seasons. The introduction of Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko to the side has enhanced the backline.
Despite the starting quartet of Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Zinchenko proving to be solid in the early weeks of the season, the understudies to these players still need addressing, especially the left centre-back role.
Gabriel was forced to start in the opening Europa League group stage tie against FC Zurich and then in the Gunners' first home match against FK Bodo/Glimt as Arsenal do not have another left-footed centre-back in the team who can replace the Brazilian. That could ultimately lead to fatigue later on in the season. But, Edu could address this dilemma in January by signing Ndicka.
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