BREAKING: Mikel Arteta wants “world class” center back who Pep Guardiola described as the ‘best CB in the world’- Arteta wants to improve the spine of his squad- player will make Arsenal win TROPHIES
Arsenal have joined the race to sign Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte as Pep Guardiola is willing to sell the defender this summer.
Mikel Arteta is keen to improve the spine of his squad and the Gunners have already started to make some moves this summer.
A deal for Kai Havertz has already been finalised and they are close to landing a deal for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
According to the latest reports, Arsenal are also interested in a deal for Laporte as the defender looks likely to leave Man City this summer.
The 29-year-old has spent the last six seasons in Manchester, but he only started in 11 league games last season.
He missed a chunk of the season with a knee injury and Guardiola now seems willing to move him on this summer.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal and Juventus are both said to be interested in the Spanish international.
Tottenham and Aston Villa have also been linked with the defender, although Laporte himself is said to favour a move back to Spain.
He still has two years left to run on his contract with Man City and he would likely cost a hefty price tag this summer.
Arsenal are certainly no stranger to signing players from Man City as they snapped up Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko last summer.
Arteta’s side are also interested in a deal for Joao Cancelo as Guardiola is keen on selling the full-back this window.
Laporte would be a top signing for Arsenal, although they are currently focusing on deals for Timber and Declan Rice.
Back in 2020, Guardiola hailed Laporte as the best left-sided centre-back in the world.
“He’s the best left-centre back in the world when he’s fit for me,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“He is a specialist with his left foot, he’s strong in the air with personality. He is so important to the way we have to play, his character and mentality too. He has all the attributes.”
Time will tell if Arsenal do decide to lodge a bid for the 29-year-old as Arteta considers his next move for the summer window.
