Arsenal have reportedly taken early steps in the transfer market with a phone call to enquire about signing a left-footed central defender, according to recent reports. The Ligue 1-born report claims that the Gunners contacted a Bundesliga club to express interest in acquiring such a defender, underlining manager Mikel Arteta’s desire to strengthen his back-line depth amid ongoing injuries and fixture congestion.
The speculation comes amid a mounting defensive crisis at the North London club, where injuries to key centre-backs have disrupted Arsenal’s Premier League campaign. The Gunners have been forced to rely on makeshift defensive partnerships due to absences, leading to increasing pressure on Arteta to recruit another central defender capable of starting games.
According to the German football insider report referenced by Sportskeeda, Arsenal have been tracking this unnamed left-footed centre-back and made a direct enquiry to their current club to understand availability and potential transfer parameters. The report notes that such enquiries at this stage are part of the club’s broader scouting process; they do not necessarily indicate an imminent bid, but reflect genuine interest.
Left-footed centre-backs are particularly valued in modern football for their ability to help teams build play from the back, especially when paired with right-footed defenders to create balanced ball-progression options. Arsenal’s recent recruitment has shown an increased preference for technically gifted defenders who can operate effectively both defensively and in possession.
This reported enquiry also aligns with wider rumours circulating around the Gunners’ defensive target list. Earlier links had suggested Arsenal were interested in Riccardo Calafiori before he eventually joined the club, showing that the club’s transfer strategy has long prioritized left-footed defensive options.
Despite the reported enquiry, no formal bid has been confirmed at the time of writing, and it remains unclear whether Arsenal will open full negotiations or pursue the defender in the upcoming summer transfer window. For now, the phone call represents a preliminary move as Arteta and the Arsenal board assess how to reinforce their defensive ranks with players who not only excel at stopping attackers but also fit the club’s tactical philosophy
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