Report: Arsenal want to land five-cap international in £10.5m deal

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Arsenal are to try and bolster their defensive ranks by completing the £10.5 million signing of Gremio defender Walter Kannemann, according to Calciomercato.

The Gunners didn’t have a bad maiden campaign under Unai Emery. The Spaniard’s team finished fifth in the Premier League and have reached the Europa League final.

Their defending at times has been nothing short of hapless though and defenders must be added ahead of next season.

Arsenal will face stiff competition for Kannemann. The 28-year-old Argentinean international is also wanted by Serie A outfit Sampdoria, although the Gunners have reportedly made a bid.

The no-nonsense central defender recently made his first international appearance. He featured in a friendly win over Guatemala and has since claimed four further caps.

TBR Verdict

Kannemann would arrive in England as an unknown quantity. Having featured for Argentina and played for one of Brazil’s biggest clubs, Arsenal needn’t worry, however.

The commanding central defender would represent a massive upgrade on anything that Emery current has at the heart of his defence.

Shkodran Mustafi has been woeful during the last 12 months and the sooner Arsenal shift him out of the side the better.

Finishing fifth was about par for the course for the Gunners this season. If they can add some defensive resolve into their side, then a comfortable push towards the top four should be on the cards next time around.