‘Extraordinary’: Arsenal reportedly pondering move for ‘one of the greatest European defensive talents’

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Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.

According to French outlet Media Foot, the Gunners have been ‘showing an interest’ in, and are ‘positioned’ for, the 20-year-old.

Arsenal’s interest in Gvardiol is apparently due to continued speculation around the future of William Saliba.

Although Saliba looks to be in Mikel Arteta’s plans for next season, Marseille remain linked with the Frenchman.

Arsenal are far from the only club apparently eyeing Gvardiol, however.

As well as the Gunners, the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly want him too.

However, Gvardiol won’t come cheap – Leipzig apparently to value him at £80million.

Arsenal aren’t exactly desperate for a new central defender either. And you’d expect Arteta not to cash in on Saliba just yet.

But let’s say (hypothetically) the Gunners did sell Saliba and went on to sign Gvardiol. What a player they’d be getting.

Gvardiol only joined Leipzig last summer, but already he has made a huge impact for his club.

He quickly secured a regular starting spot, adapting seamlessly to life in the Bundesliga and European competition.

Gvardiol has made 45 appearances for the Bundesliga side in all competitions, and has also won 10 caps for Croatia.

“A fine technician”

The Bundesliga website recently provided an in-depth scouting report on the player.

“Perhaps the most important aspect of Gvardiol’s game is that he is a left-footed centre-back,” they wrote.

“This provides a fantastic outlet for Leipzig as they can line up the Croatian alongside a right-footed centre-back, with both totally comfortable in the position they are playing.

“(David) Alaba has perhaps established himself as the world’s best left-footed centre-back, and Gvardiol has many similarities.

“You may think 6’1” is no mean height for a central defender. But his real strength comes in exactly that – his strength.

“Gvardiol is rarely bullied off the ball by his opposition. And in the physically demanding Croatian league, has learned exactly how best to use his body to his advantage.

“He has also built his confidence on the ball, where he is just as comfortable bringing possession out of defence as he is playing the ball to a teammate in a better position.”

Former Bayern striker and Croatia international Ivica Olic has described Gvardiol as an “extraordinary talent”.

He added: “He can play great long balls, is a fine technician and is physically very strong.”

And former Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche said that “with Josko Gvardiol we were able to sign one of the greatest European defensive talents”.