Report: Arsenal now want £16m international who Edwards wanted at Liverpool years ago

By Lee Connor

Arsenal are looking into the possibility of signing Borussia Dortmund defender, Manuel Akanji, according to reports from Germany this weekend.

Bild has reported how it’s unlikely Akanji will remain in Dortmund for next season. And with that, both Manchester United and Arsenal have been mentioned as potential destinations.

Akanji, 26, has excelled for the German side since moving from Basel. Indeed, he could have ended up at Liverpool back in 2017, with reports that Michael Edwards was keen to sign the then 21-year-old defender.

But now, five years down the line, it is Arsenal who could land Akanji. Rated at around £16m last year, the Swiss star has won 39 caps for his country and has been a regular for Dortmund this season. However, his contract only has a year to run on it from this summer, meaning a move could be on the cards this summer.

The Gunners are looking at another busy summer as they eye up potential signings. And while a new centre-back isn’t a priority for Mikel Arteta, he could be tempted int landing Akanji at a knockdown price.

TBR’s View: Akanji Good Enough For Arsenal Or Any Premier League Side

The development Akanji has shown in recent years has been excellent and it’s little wonder he is attracting admiring glances from big European clubs.

Arsenal might not need a new centre-half desperately. However, if they do make it into the top four, then there is every chance that Mikel Arteta needs a bigger squad with more quality. And that’s there where Akanji could come in.

At 26, he is the right age for Arsenal to go and get and he fits their profile of recent signings. But it’s also an age where he has suitable experience to come right into the XI if needed, which is vital. If the price is £16m or less, then Akanji represents a real bargain buy here.