Arsenal are interested in signing Dan-Axel Zagadou, according to reports, but is he the man to fix their defensive woes?
France Football, as cited by GFFN via Twitter, claims that the Gunners are keen to pursue a deal for the promising centre-back, but could see their efforts fail to materialise as a consequence of Borussia Dortmund’s asking price.
Twitter: Arsenal are very interested in signing Dortmund’s French defender Dan-Axel Zagadou, but accept that they might not… https://t.co/s1oYDoQY9N (@GFFN)
It comes as no surprise to see the Bundesliga club hold the defender in high esteem given his quality and tender years, but should Arsenal break the bank to lure him away from Germany?
Zagadou made 17 appearances in the league last season and impressed with his composed style of play. Centre-backs must possess bravery and confidence to play in a Lucien Favre team, and the young Frenchman boasts these two traits in abundance.
He reads the game intelligently and, despite being only 20-years-old, has looked at home when called upon in the Champions League. It is this level of maturity and calmness that Arsenal have long craved in the heart of their defence.
Zagadou enjoyed a strong breakthrough season at Dortmund as they ran Bayern Munich close for the Bundesliga title. Next term, however, he may not be so fortunate with regards to regular first-team opportunities.
The German giants recently re-signed Mats Hummels in a big-money deal from the reigning champions, and this could see the likes of the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect struggle for game time.
Arsenal, despite their financial limitations, may have the chance to land one of the world’s brightest young defenders at a time when he could just be available for the right price. These seldom arise, and with the Gunners in dire need of a quality centre-back this summer, they cannot afford to let opportunities like these slip.
Zagadou has much to learn, but the early signs suggest that he would already arrive as the best central defender in Unai Emery’s ranks. The North London outfit could do far worse than recruit the Dortmund star.
